Dear Constituent,
After raising concerns over corruption allegations towards the City Minister last week at PMQs, I was pleased to see her resignation on Tuesday - the second resignation so far of Keir Starmer’s Government.
Today, I am presenting the ‘Strategic Litigation against Public Participation’ Bill in the House, aimed at protecting freedom of speech and ensuring individuals and organisations can challenge powerful entities without the fear of costly legal action. I believe freedom of speech is not merely a right; it is the cornerstone of our democracy, liberty, and progress. A free society flourishes when citizens can openly express their opinions, hold power accountable, and engage in vigorous debate without fear of retribution. This Bill aims to uphold these principles by preventing the abuse of the legal system to silence those who dare to speak out in the public interest. I look forward to updating constituents with the Bill’s progress.
Earlier in the week I raised the vital work of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, which provide essential care across our region. I will keep pressing for the support and funding they need to carry on their invaluable work. I’ve also raised the impact of withdrawing the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which has provided crucial funding for maintaining historic churches in our community. I’m calling on the Government to continue this support.
Finally, I’ve been engaging with local pub owners, who are struggling under the weight of Labour’s economic policies, particularly the impact of minimum wage hikes and cuts to business rates relief. The future of British pubs is at risk, and I’ll continue to fight for the sector’s survival.
As always, if you need assistance or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected].
With every good wish,
https://youtu.be/obBncHSGkhg?si=X8FJTBjbMwjJ-VGw
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
STANDING UP FOR HOSPICE CARE
I am proud to champion the vital work of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, two extraordinary organisations that provide life-changing care to families across my constituency in both Surrey and Hampshire. These hospices play a crucial role in supporting adults and children facing life-limiting illnesses, offering compassionate care that ensures families are not alone during their most difficult moments.
The care and support provided by Phyllis Tuckwell and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices are not a luxury; they are essential services that offer comfort, dignity, and hope when it is needed most. However, in order to continue this incredible work, hospices require fair and adequate funding, as well as workforce support to meet growing demand.
In my speech during Monday’s debate on ‘Hospices and Palliative Care’, I emphasised my commitment to ensuring that these hospices have the resources they need to keep doing what they do best: offering compassionate care and creating precious memories for families in our community.
Our region is fortunate to have such outstanding services, but we must ensure that hospices are properly supported to continue providing these vital services for years to come. This is why I raised concerns about the impact of higher Employers’ National Insurance Contributions introduced under this Labour Government, as well as the postcode lottery of care services.
By addressing these challenges, we can help secure the future of hospice care, ensuring that no family has to face these difficult times without the support they deserve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYH7QDaFiKw
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE: THE FUTURE OF HISTORIC CHURCHES
A withdrawal of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme would have a devasting impact on the historic churches across my constituency. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year alone, six Grade I or II listed churches in Farnham and Bordon benefitted from this scheme, saving a total of £42,903 in Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential repairs. Without this support, local churches face would face significant challenges in securing the funding they need to preserve these treasured buildings.
Local clergymen, including Reverend Uffindell of St Andrew’s, Farnham, and Reverend Bessant of St Bartholomew’s and St Christopher’s, Haslemere, have raised their concerns with me. While alternative funding options, such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are available, these funds are heavily oversubscribed and encompass a wide range of heritage projects. For instance, the Humber Estuary recently received £250,000 for coastline protection, yet churches must compete with similar large-scale projects for financial support. This system leaves parish churches struggling to secure the immediate funding required for essential repairs and restoration.
I am calling on the Government to urgently address this issue and commit to renewing the scheme, ensuring that parish churches, which play such a vital role in our communities, receive the support they need. If VAT relief is no longer available for church repairs, the Government must outline how it plans to assist these important community buildings moving forward.
Churches across our constituency are not just places of worship; they are historical and cultural landmarks integral to our shared heritage. I will continue to advocate for a solution that ensures these churches remain protected for future generations.
https://youtu.be/uMeFAni1tHs?si=9ewSbqFmQuhN6U7F
HOLDING THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCOUNT
Last week, at Prime Minister’s Questions, I raised serious concerns about the suitability of the now-former Anti-Corruption Minister, who was under investigation for corruption while also benefiting from free housing provided by political allies of questionable foreign regimes.
It was simply unacceptable for someone in that role to remain in government under such circumstances, and I’m pleased to see that my question has led them to decide to resign.
The public deserves a government with integrity, and I’ll continue to do my part to shine a light on misconduct and demand higher standards from those in power.
It’s time for this government to stop protecting those who put their own interests before the public good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMpP1ueaxa8
DEFENDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACROSS THE WORLD
Every week in Parliament I meet incredible charity spokespeople and hear from inspirational speakers. At the ‘Open Doors Watch List’ event on Wednesday, I was appalled by the stories of religious persecution in Africa where around 380 million Christians are persecuted for practicing their faith, a right we can sometimes take for granted in Western democracies.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
LABOUR'S POLICIES THREATEN THE FUTURE OF LOCAL PUBS: PUBLICANS DELIVER DIRE WARNING
On Monday, I co-hosted a roundtable with the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) to hear directly from publicans across the constituency about the devastating impact of Labour’s economic policies. The message was stark: the future of British pubs is in serious jeopardy. One publican described the situation as “bigger than COVID.”
Local pub owners spoke of soaring staff costs caused by Labour’s minimum wage hike for under-23s and national insurance increases, which have already forced some pubs to close on Mondays or cut services such as breakfast. They also highlighted the crippling effect of cuts to business rates relief, leaving many on the brink of survival. Meanwhile, the proposed Employment Rights Bill was criticised as yet another layer of unnecessary bureaucracy, adding to the immense pressure already facing the industry.
One publican compared the current crisis to the pandemic, saying: “[At least] during COVID, we had support. Now, we’ve been hung out to dry.” Another spoke of a “perfect storm” that has left them unable to keep their doors open for as many hours as they once did.
The hospitality industry is the UK’s third-largest employer and lies at the heart of our communities. Yet Labour’s policies are threatening to devastate it. Let me be clear: these measures are not just ill-judged; they are a wrecking ball for British pubs.
I will continue to fight for practical solutions to protect this vital industry and ensure pubs remain a central part of our communities.
FAMILY FARM TAX
I first met Bob Milton of Kilnside Farm in Runfold last year, prior to Labour unveiling their plans to tax family farms. On a bitterly cold Saturday morning, I joined him and his family at their farm to discuss the devastating consequences of the Government's decision.
Like many other farms in the constituency, it’s evident that the changes to agricultural property relief are already imposing a significant financial burden on farmers. Labour’s assertion that this policy only targets a loophole exploited by large landowners is simply untrue. Kilnside Farm is just 36 acres in size, with a modest farm shop, yet it will still be subjected to this new tax. In agricultural terms, it is hard to imagine a farm much smaller than this.
The Government is either deliberately concealing the truth behind their plans, or it is failing to grasp the profound impact these decisions are having on rural communities. Either way, it’s a disaster for Britain.
VISTING WEYDON SCHOOL
As my first school visit of the year, it was a pleasure to meet with Headteacher Mrs Jackie Sharman at Weydon School to discuss the school’s progress over the past decade and address concerns regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
After walking around the school and visiting a variety of classes, I was impressed by how engaged the students were and how effectively technology is being integrated into the classroom. I was also pleased to hear about the expansion of SEND provision, with Mrs Sharman appointing a SEND coordinator for each year group.
I look forward to visiting again soon and wish Mrs Sharman all the best as she announces that the 2024/25 academic year will be her final one as Headteacher.
AWARD FROM THE KING FOR FARNHAM REPAIR CAFE
It was a pleasure to attend and speak at the award ceremony for the Farnham Repair Café as they received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.
Presented by the HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, it was inspiring to hear about the positive impact the group has had on the local community.
Just recently, I visited to join them in celebrating their 100th session at The Spire Church. Their cumulative efforts have now saved those using the service more than £230,000.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.
CALL FOR PRESENTS
The Friends of the Royal Surrey Charity is collecting unwanted presents in aid of the new facilities at the Hospital. If you have anything from the festive period that could help with their campaign, do get in touch via the details.
WEEKLY CONSTITUENT EMAILS BREAKDOWN
This week, I have received correspondence about national issues including concerns with the NHS, rollout of solar panels in new builds, fireworks legislation and devolution.
You can view this week’s topical breakdown below:
