Dear Constituent,
From standing up for our local environment to challenging NHS leaders in Westminster, this last week has been all about delivering results for our community across Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and our surrounding villages.
Locally, I’ve been out and about meeting residents and tackling issues that matter. I visited the Farnham Angling Society at the River Wey to hear their concerns about environmental protections and have taken their case to DEFRA to make sure they’re heard. At the East Hampshire Veterans' Festival, I had the honour of meeting local veterans and reaffirming my commitment to supporting those who’ve served our country. I also caught up with local Scout leaders, who do a brilliant job giving young people valuable skills and experiences—and are looking for more volunteers to help.
In Westminster, I’ve been pressing the Government for answers. I challenged NHS leaders over their lack of clear plans to fix staff retention and productivity issues, and I spoke out against Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which threatens parental choice and risks harming educational standards. Meanwhile, on casework, I was able to step in and help a constituent who had been waiting five months for important paperwork from Waverley Borough Council; after I got involved, they received it the very next day.
I’ll keep fighting for our community, making sure your concerns are heard and pushing for real change. If there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
80 YEARS SINCE AUSCHWITZ LIBERATION
Monday, 27th January marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous Nazi concentration camps of the Second World War. The Speaker of the House of Commons led a commemoration reflecting on this solemn anniversary—an enduring reminder of the darkest chapter in European history.
This day provides an important moment for all of us to pause, reflect, and remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. It is a stark warning of the horrors that can unfold when hatred, prejudice, and intolerance are left unchecked.
As your Member of Parliament, I reaffirm my commitment to speaking out against the dangerous rise in antisemitism and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community. It is not enough to remember the atrocities of the past - we must also take action to ensure such hatred never resurfaces.
I want us to continue to educate, reflect, and unite in our determination to prevent history from repeating itself. Our commitment to tolerance and understanding must remain stronger than ever.
NHS LEADERS FAIL TO PROVIDE ANSWERS
On Wednesday, the cross-party parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee held a two-hour evidence session with NHS leaders, including Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England; Julian Kelly, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer; and Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England. It was a deeply frustrating exchange.
Faced with serious concerns about poor practice, staff retention, and productivity, NHS leadership offered little in the way of fresh thinking or real solutions. Their complacency was striking - and unacceptable. The Committee unanimously shared my concerns, and we will be revisiting these issues soon.
This follows a damning report from the Public Accounts Committee, which rightly criticised NHS and Department of Health officials for their lack of urgency in tackling the challenges facing our health service. Patients and staff deserve better.
If you’d like to watch the full session, you can find it here:
Health Committee Chair Comment on evidence session with NHS leadership - Committees - UK Parliament
SCHOOLS BILL WILL HARM EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
I have serious concerns about the Government’s so-called Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will strip parents of choice and unravel the progress made under the last Conservative Government.
At a recent meeting, local parents expressed alarm over Labour’s excessive home-schooling restrictions and burdensome red tape - measures that will make life harder for families, especially those with children who have special educational needs. Safeguarding is vital, but it must be evidence-based and proportionate - not an excuse for state overreach.
When I challenged the Education Secretary on these concerns, she refused to engage and failed to provide any real answers. This is a blatant disregard for the families who will be most affected. Labour’s plans will stifle educational achievement and punish parents who simply want the best for their children. My constituents deserve better, and I will fight to protect their rights.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
OUT ON THE RIVER WEY WITH FARNHAM ANGLING SOCIETY
I recently visited the River Wey near Pitt Farm with the Farnham Angling Society (FAS) to discuss their crucial work in maintaining water quality and restoring fish populations. Their commitment to the river’s long-term health is invaluable.
FAS has raised serious concerns about proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations, which could unintentionally damage the ecosystem. Redefining multiple water users as ‘bathers’ risks disturbing sensitive spawning grounds and delaying much-needed environmental improvements. Worryingly, key issues, such as riparian rights and protections for species like Atlantic salmon, remain unaddressed due to a lack of proper impact assessment.
I will continue pressing DEFRA to ensure those who know our waterways best have their voices heard. Protecting our environment must be rooted in practical, evidence-based policymaking—not well-meaning but flawed reforms.
SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS
It was a privilege to attend the East Hampshire Veterans' Festival in Petersfield, organised by my colleague Damian Hinds MP and East Hampshire District Council. The event brought together veterans, their families, and support organisations, fostering a fantastic sense of community.
I had the honour of hearing veterans’ stories, speaking with groups providing essential services, and even sampling some delicious treats from the brilliant Bordon Belles! Events like this highlight the importance of recognising and supporting those who have served our country.
Ensuring our veterans get the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve remains a priority. I will continue to champion their needs in Parliament and across our area.
WELCOME TO MY NEWSLETTER [20]
Dear Constituent,
From standing up for our local environment to challenging NHS leaders in Westminster, this last week has been all about delivering results for our community across Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and our surrounding villages.
Locally, I’ve been out and about meeting residents and tackling issues that matter. I visited the Farnham Angling Society at the River Wey to hear their concerns about environmental protections and have taken their case to DEFRA to make sure they’re heard. At the East Hampshire Veterans' Festival, I had the honour of meeting local veterans and reaffirming my commitment to supporting those who’ve served our country. I also caught up with local Scout leaders, who do a brilliant job giving young people valuable skills and experiences—and are looking for more volunteers to help.
In Westminster, I’ve been pressing the Government for answers. I challenged NHS leaders over their lack of clear plans to fix staff retention and productivity issues, and I spoke out against Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which threatens parental choice and risks harming educational standards. Meanwhile, on casework, I was able to step in and help a constituent who had been waiting five months for important paperwork from Waverley Borough Council; after I got involved, they received it the very next day.
I’ll keep fighting for our community, making sure your concerns are heard and pushing for real change. If there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
80 YEARS SINCE AUSCHWITZ LIBERATION
Monday, 27th January marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous Nazi concentration camps of the Second World War. The Speaker of the House of Commons led a commemoration reflecting on this solemn anniversary—an enduring reminder of the darkest chapter in European history.
This day provides an important moment for all of us to pause, reflect, and remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. It is a stark warning of the horrors that can unfold when hatred, prejudice, and intolerance are left unchecked.
As your Member of Parliament, I reaffirm my commitment to speaking out against the dangerous rise in antisemitism and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community. It is not enough to remember the atrocities of the past - we must also take action to ensure such hatred never resurfaces.
I want us to continue to educate, reflect, and unite in our determination to prevent history from repeating itself. Our commitment to tolerance and understanding must remain stronger than ever.
NHS LEADERS FAIL TO PROVIDE ANSWERS
On Wednesday, the cross-party parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee held a two-hour evidence session with NHS leaders, including Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England; Julian Kelly, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer; and Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England. It was a deeply frustrating exchange.
Faced with serious concerns about poor practice, staff retention, and productivity, NHS leadership offered little in the way of fresh thinking or real solutions. Their complacency was striking - and unacceptable. The Committee unanimously shared my concerns, and we will be revisiting these issues soon.
This follows a damning report from the Public Accounts Committee, which rightly criticised NHS and Department of Health officials for their lack of urgency in tackling the challenges facing our health service. Patients and staff deserve better.
If you’d like to watch the full session, you can find it here:
Health Committee Chair Comment on evidence session with NHS leadership - Committees - UK Parliament
SCHOOLS BILL WILL HARM EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
I have serious concerns about the Government’s so-called Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will strip parents of choice and unravel the progress made under the last Conservative Government.
At a recent meeting, local parents expressed alarm over Labour’s excessive home-schooling restrictions and burdensome red tape - measures that will make life harder for families, especially those with children who have special educational needs. Safeguarding is vital, but it must be evidence-based and proportionate - not an excuse for state overreach.
When I challenged the Education Secretary on these concerns, she refused to engage and failed to provide any real answers. This is a blatant disregard for the families who will be most affected. Labour’s plans will stifle educational achievement and punish parents who simply want the best for their children. My constituents deserve better, and I will fight to protect their rights.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
OUT ON THE RIVER WEY WITH FARNHAM ANGLING SOCIETY
I recently visited the River Wey near Pitt Farm with the Farnham Angling Society (FAS) to discuss their crucial work in maintaining water quality and restoring fish populations. Their commitment to the river’s long-term health is invaluable.
FAS has raised serious concerns about proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations, which could unintentionally damage the ecosystem. Redefining multiple water users as ‘bathers’ risks disturbing sensitive spawning grounds and delaying much-needed environmental improvements. Worryingly, key issues, such as riparian rights and protections for species like Atlantic salmon, remain unaddressed due to a lack of proper impact assessment.
I will continue pressing DEFRA to ensure those who know our waterways best have their voices heard. Protecting our environment must be rooted in practical, evidence-based policymaking—not well-meaning but flawed reforms.
SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS
It was a privilege to attend the East Hampshire Veterans' Festival in Petersfield, organised by my colleague Damian Hinds MP and East Hampshire District Council. The event brought together veterans, their families, and support organisations, fostering a fantastic sense of community.
I had the honour of hearing veterans’ stories, speaking with groups providing essential services, and even sampling some delicious treats from the brilliant Bordon Belles! Events like this highlight the importance of recognising and supporting those who have served our country.
Ensuring our veterans get the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve remains a priority. I will continue to champion their needs in Parliament and across our area.
MOBILE COVERAGE WITH VODAFONE
I met with Vodafone at one of their masts in central Farnham to discuss network coverage and their expansion plans following their merger with Three. Reliable mobile service is vital for residents and businesses, especially as new housing developments increase demand.
A key issue raised was that mobile providers are not given advance sight of major planning applications, unlike other infrastructure services. This makes it harder to plan network improvements and risks leaving communities with poor connectivity. With Labour’s higher housing targets bringing even more development, this must change.
I’ll be raising this in Parliament to ensure new homes come with the infrastructure to match, including the mobile coverage our communities need.
CALL FOR SUPPORT: HAMPSHIRE'S SCOUTS
At the Veterans’ Festival, I had the pleasure of meeting local Scout leaders, who do incredible work providing young people with invaluable skills and experiences. The Scouting movement plays a vital role in our area, and I fully support their efforts.
Right now, they need more trustees and volunteers in Hampshire. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and make a real difference. If you're interested, I encourage you to contact Lee Lewis on 07989 502420.
THIS WEEK'S SURGERY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week began with another busy surgery, where I had the chance to hear directly from constituents about the issues that matter to them. I started by discussing how I can support WASPI women in our area, before moving on to school-related concerns, which I’ve now taken up with the Local Authority. One couple spoke passionately about health, nutrition, and protecting our planet; conversations that will help shape my further work on these topics. I ended the surgery by discussing the proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which I later raised in a debate on Monday afternoon.
On casework, one constituent told me they had been waiting five months for important documentation from Waverley Borough Council. I took this up immediately and they received it the very next day. I’ve also written to Ministers on issues including the availability of driving tests and have received responses on matters such as EPC ratings and the Safer Phones Bill.
You can see a breakdown of the wider topics I’m working on below. If there’s an issue you need help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
