Dear Constituent,
As we approach Christmas, here’s a quick update on recent work in Westminster and our community. I’ve been focusing on issues that matter locally — improving broadband, supporting healthcare providers, and strengthening community ties.
I’ve met with key organisations like Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Specsavers, and the Royal Mail, ensuring better services and communication for our area. I’ve also enjoyed sharing the creativity of our schoolchildren in my first Christmas card competition and supporting local events across the constituency.
Thank you for your continued support. If there’s ever an issue you want to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing me on [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
MY OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS CARD AT SPEAKER'S HOUSE
Ahead of my official announcement of the winner of our constituency’s inaugural Christmas card competition, I was invited to present my card to the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP in Speaker’s House.
In next week’s edition I will formally announce the winner of the competition after having visited the pupil at their school. The competition has been a wonderful demonstration of the talent and skills of our schoolchildren across our community, and I know how impressed all those receiving a card will be with the winner!
CATCHING UP WITH KEY PARTNERS AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS
Ahead of Christmas, I met with several key organisations and partners in Parliament to address important issues affecting Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and our villages – covering health, social care, animal welfare, and postal and broadband services.
This week, I popped into the RSPCA and Dogs Trust information session to hear more about the Fireworks Bill and discuss safeguarding pets, wildlife, and livestock during the fireworks season.
At the Carers UK awareness session, I joined the Carer Poverty Coalition to raise awareness of the financial struggles faced by unpaid carers. Additionally, I supported the efforts of Royal Mail staff during their busiest season at their Christmas reception held in Parliament.
Ahead of the holidays, I also checked with the Royal Mail that their delivery service was at performance and productivity optimum to ensure your Christmas cards and gifts arrive in time!
TALKING TO OPENREACH ABOUT RURAL BROADBAND
I met the Openreach Chief Executive, Clive Selley, to discuss addressing broadband challenges in parts of the constituency. Following my Westminster Hall debate on the matter and my Constituency Connectivity Survey, I am in weekly contact with broadband providers on the matter.
I was grateful that Clive offered his assistance in looking some specific areas; further to securing a “village-by-village” analysis of the issues in our constituency, I will be following up with Clive about residents served by Openreach who face broadband issues.
JUSTICE FOR MY CONSTITUENTS
In 2008, Alan Jermey brutally strangled and murdered his wife in their Woking home. In 2024, he is up for a parole recommendation to be moved from a high to low security prison.
His family live in my constituency. On Tuesday I raised this with the Minister for Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) to ensure that the Secretary of State reject the parole’s recommendation in full.
ON THE WATER WITH THE ROYAL NAVY
I had the privilege of joining Royal Navy sailors in Portsmouth with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme with the 1st Patrol Boat Squadron.
The visit provided a first stage introduction to operating at sea, navigation, small boat work and coastal operations. A real insight into how our naval servicemen and women work to defend our country all year round.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BARFIELD 'ECO CLUB'
I had the pleasure of visiting Barfield School to meet with their enthusiastic Eco Club. The visit came about after I received a letter from the pupils, where they shared their concerns about environmental issues like climate change, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.
I was truly impressed by the pupils’ passion for sustainability and their creative ideas for making a difference. They showed me projects they’ve been working on, including a nature garden. It was inspiring to see such commitment to protecting our planet from such a young age.
Meeting these students reinforced how crucial it is for us to act on environmental issues at every level.
FESTIVITIES ACROSS THE CONSTITUENCY
The weekend was a fantastic opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit as I visited a series of wonderful fayres across the constituency. Each event showcased the incredible community effort that makes this time of year so special.
The first was Churt’s Village Cheer event in the Village Hall, filled with festive stalls and plenty of good cheer. At Grayswood’s All Saints Church Fayre, I couldn’t resist trying my hand at the tombola — and was thrilled to walk away with a prize!
In Haslemere, I stopped by the Neema Society’s event, which raised funds for their important charitable work. I also joined the festive fun at Greatham Primary School’s Christmas Fayre, where it was great to see families and staff coming together to support the school.
Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make these events such a success!
PHYLISS TUCKWELL HOSPICE
I had the privilege of meeting Sarah Church, the Chief Executive of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, an essential organisation providing outstanding care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
We discussed the hospice’s invaluable work, from end-of-lifecare to bereavement support, and the challenges they face in ensuring seamless communication with other healthcare providers. I was inspired by the dedication of Sarah and her team, who go above and beyond to provide comfort and compassion during life’s most difficult moments.
I’m also looking forward to attending the topping-out ceremony next year for their new facility on Menin Way, which will allow them to expand their services and reach even more people in need.
Phyllis Tuckwell is a cornerstone of our community, and I’ll continue working to support their vital efforts and advocate for better integration within the healthcare system.
VISITING SPECSAVERS IN FARNHAM
Ensuring high-quality healthcare services are accessible to everyone is a priority, which is why I recently visited Specsavers in Farnham to see first hand the essential work they do. From advanced eye tests to hearing care, their team provides a wide range of vital services to our community.
I met with them in Westminster too, talking about access to optical care on a national level and I had the pleasure of meeting their founder, Doug Perkins.
Speaking with the staff in Farnham, we discussed the challenges they face and their ideas for improving collaboration with other local healthcare providers, such as pharmacies and GPs.
Visits like this highlight the importance of supporting community-based healthcare providers. Specsavers’ commitment to innovation and accessibility ensures that constituents in Farnham and beyond receive the care they need, close to home. I’ll continue to champion improved healthcare communication and access, inspired by the dedication of teams like the one I met in Farnham.
WEEKLY CONSTITUENT EMAILS BREAKDOWN
Assisted suicide is still dominating large amounts of my policy emails from constituents.
International affairs have also been raised this week over the Labour Government’s latest injection into UNRWA, the Palestinian humanitarian aid unit involved heavily in the October 7th attacks. I receive comments from constituents all side of the Gaza debate.
Storm Darragh caused significant disruption over the weekend, but I was glad to be able to assist residents like those on Shortheath Road with contacting the County Council to remove a fallen tree. I also followed up with Waverley Borough Council on various outstanding housing repairs and social housing applications.
