Dear Constituent,
It’s been another busy week in Westminster and the constituency. While in Parliament I’ve had meetings with a huge range of national organisations about some key issues for us in Surrey and Hampshire, it’s been jam-packed in the constituency too, with events and meetings across our area.
We’ve had a big win in Bordon as our campaign to save the tip was successful, and I have some exciting personal news about expanding my role in Westminster. You can read all about it below.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do send me an email via [email protected], and my team and I will endeavour to help where possible.
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
JOINING THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE COMMITTEE
As you may know, my background before the election was in NHS and healthcare. Having spent years working in the industry, I am absolutely delighted that this week I was elected as a member of the House of Commons Select Committee for Health and Social Care.
Committees play a vital role in scrutinising the Government, public agencies and significant stakeholders on policies and decisions; and as an opposition MP a place on this committee will give me additional opportunity to hold Labour to account with their approach to our NHS nationally and locally.
Separately, I have also been elected as an officer of the All Party Parliamentary Groups on both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Social Care.
STANDING UP FOR GIBRALTAR
On Friday, Spanish border guards caused chaos at the Gibraltarian border by suddenly requiring passports and stamps for those crossing the border. Thankfully this only lasted a few hours, but it is concerning to see tensions in the area so high.
Given this Government’s decisions elsewhere in the world with our territories, I wanted to make it clear to the relevant Minister that we must defend Gibraltar’s right to sovereignty as a part of the British community.
It was lovely to receive a letter yesterday from Gibraltar’s Representative to the UK - Dominique Searle MBE - thanking me for raising this on behalf of the overseas territory.
TAKING OUR ISSUES DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT
Tuesday morning’s Today programme on BBC Radio 4 featured my question to the Government on cutting the Winter Fuel Payment for thousands in Farnham and Bordon while still taking freebies from their donors. As you know I have been very vocal on this issue and will not let the Government strip this support without scrutiny.
Later that day, I raised the issue of the Chase Hospital and new Health Hub in Bordon with a Health Minister. I know the future of the Chase is concerning a number of residents, especially when there is still work to be done to bring the proposed new health hub to the town. I’ve been meeting with the relevant local decisionmakers, but I am pressuring the Government to consider the case in Whitehill and Bordon too.
SUPPORTING OUR CANCER CHARITIES
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and I was pleased to join Breast Cancer Now at their event to promote awareness and stress the need for further research into breast cancer. Their outstanding ‘Wear It Pink’ campaign has raised nearly £40m for research and support over the last twenty years.
You may recall a few weeks ago I took a blood test for prostate cancer in Whitehill; this week I was pleased to join Prostate Cancer UK at the launch of their new plan for the next few years in Westminster.
Both these charities need input from the Government to achieve their goals, and I will gladly lend them my support where I can in Parliament.
TACKLING RURAL CRIME
It was great to join the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) and Countryside Alliance (CA) to see their latest research and discuss the challenges faced by rural areas. The NRCN are running a number of ongoing campaigns to do with fly-tipping and theft from farms, and the CA is putting the spotlight on sustainable living and the benefits environmental stewardship can have on the community. I also raised local issues with our Surrey Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.
DEFENCE AND DIPLOMACY
A special guest joined us in Parliament to discuss the UK’s strategic position on the world stage. It was fascinating to meet Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates to debate how using diplomacy in the world of defence and security can help to achieve the UK’s ambitions abroad. Whilst we didn’t agree on everything, it was an enlightening to hear his insights on these important matters.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BORDON TIP SAVED!
I am thrilled that the our campaign to keep the Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Bordon was successful!
Over the last few months, it was made clear that the potential closure of the HWRC would be a massive inconvenience for local residents. Without a tip in Whitehill and Bordon, those in the towns and elsewhere in East Hampshire would face longer journeys to the nearest tip.
This is a major win for residents and I am pleased to have worked alongside local representatives to see this positive outcome.
PENSIONER ADVICE SURGERY
At the end of last week I was in Grayshott to hold my pensioner advice surgery. The Government’s decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for millions has caused a lot of uncertainty and unease for our community. I’ve received a significant amount of emails and letters from residents across Farnham and Bordon who want to see action on this issue.
To help bring some answers to those affected and ensure support is available, I invited Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau to join me at a special surgery for pensioners. It was great to speak with people about their personal concerns and see both charities offering a wealth of knowledge and ample support for those who had questions.
If you or anyone you know are concerned about this winter after the cuts, please do contact me and I would be glad to put you in touch with the relevant support networks.
A MILESTONE FOR THE FARNHAM REPAIR CAFÉ
The Farnham Repair Café, which operates out of the Spire Church on South Street, celebrated its 100th session on Saturday. It was a pleasure to be invited to join them in their cake-cutting ceremony and to hear about the incredible impact the café has.
As a part of a wider global network of repair cafés, the voluntary team offer their skills and services to repair household items, with everything ranging from clocks to vacuum cleaners. By avoiding repair fees and replacing fixable products, the free-of-charge service is estimated to have saved a collective total of more than £220,000 for those that use it. Well done to all involved!
HOLDING CALA HOMES TO ACCOUNT ON COXBRIDGE FARM DEVELOPMENT
Last week a Conservative-led motion on the planning committee on Waverley Borough Council deferred the Coxbridge Farm development in Farnham due to issues with layout and design, particularly how it will affect residents on Hazel Road.
I met with CALA Homes - the developer - to raise these concerns directly and ensure that relevant opinions are heard. They were receptive to my comments and I am pleased that they are taking the time now to review the plans, with a particular focus on the boundary with Hazel Road.
I know there are also concerns about flooding and drainage on this site, as there are on other existing developments in Farnham. CALA Homes have assured me their plans are in accordance with the relevant guidelines on flooding, but I am going to be investigating this issue further and taking up enquiries with the local authority.
THE FUTURE FOR WHITEHILL AND BORDON
I met the leaders of the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company to express concerns on behalf of the local community about the lack of progress and delivery of certain key projects. While I have been given assurances that both the supermarket and new Health Hub are in progress with some promising timelines, I strongly believe that the WRBC needs a much stronger impetus.
I later met with Cllr Andy Tree, Leader of Whitehill Town Council, to discuss the situation and I am grateful for our continued positive dialogue and shared ambition for the future of Whitehill and Bordon.
MEETING WITH THE RAPID RELIEF TEAM
Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is an international non-profit organisation that offers specialist support to communities and emergency responders whenever it is needed. RRT plays an active role in the UK and with a nearby base is primed to offer support to our local community when we may need it.
There are already a few organisations that I am going to be connecting RRT with as I know their services could make a real difference to some smaller groups in Farnham and Bordon.
FARNHAM FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS
The Maltings once again hosted the Festival of Crafts on Saturday. This was an incredible event with a real mix of crafts, art and design on show. Artists and makers from around the constituency and further afield showcased their work, with some beautiful pots, prints, clothes and sculptures on show.
It is really important we support and value our local creative industries, so events like these are a great opportunity to see what is available in Surrey and Hampshire. There are a few more events like this coming up over the next few months all over the constituency, so do keep an eye out.
