Dear Constituent,
Last weekend I went to some fantastic local events including The Bourne and Haslemere’s Christmas markets. I’ve also been tackling important local issues, from housing concerns to supporting Tesco’s Winter Food campaign.
It was also great to have been called in Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday after I bobbed for half an hour to raise the plight of pensioner, Anne Puckridge.
As ever, should you have any questions or need any support, please do get in touch by emailing me on [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
ASKING KIER STARMER TO MEET PENSION CAMPAIGNER ANNE PUCKRIDGE
Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) are a complete luck of the draw, which is why I was most pleased to be called after my constant bobbing and (what proved to be a successful) attempt to catch Mr Speaker’s eye after the questions from the order paper had been called.
This week, 99-year-old WW2 veteran and distinguished campaigner Anne Puckridge, travelled 4,400 miles from her current home in Canada with the hope of meeting the Prime Minister to discuss the Frozen Pensions policy.
I was disappointed by his response and clear dismissal of Anne, who was sitting in the public gallery above the Commons chamber.
UNIVERSITY OF CREATIVE ARTS IN PARLIAMENT
I welcomed a journalism class from the University of Creative Arts to Parliament for a tour and Q&A session. The students were eager to learn more about the workings of Parliament, and we had a dynamic discussion about the role of media in shaping public policy and the importance of journalistic integrity. I enjoyed sharing insights into my work as a Member of Parliament and answering their thoughtful questions; one student has later described the trip as ‘exciting and lively’. It’s always inspiring to engage with the next generation of journalists and encourage them to pursue their careers with curiosity and passion.
CHAMPIONING PROSTATE CANCER CHARITIES
It was a pleasure to meet with those affected by prostate cancer and to provide support, share resources, and discuss ways we can continue to raise awareness. At the end of September, I visited Whitehill and Bordon’s prostate screening event, and received an email from a constituent who went to get themselves screened as a result of me raising awareness of the screening venue in my weekly newsletter.
This Saturday there is another testing event at the Blackmoor Club; I strongly encourage all 40+ men who have not recently been checked to attend. You can read more details and book a slot on this website.
PRIORITISING PSORISASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
I was invited to speak at a roundtable this week on prioritising the treatment and care of individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, and I have received emails from constituents asking me to advocate for them on this matter.
The roundtable, which included medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and key policymakers, provided a valuable forum for discussing the challenges faced by individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as the barriers that currently exist in accessing timely, effective treatment. A key theme throughout the discussion was the need for increased awareness and understanding of the conditions, both within the healthcare system and in society.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
SHOPPING LOCALLY
This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and I am proud to support this national campaign that last year generated more than £669 million for local businesses in places like Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and the surrounding villages.
Since my election I have been visiting local businesses to offer my full support, and I was glad to recently visit both newly-opened Pirates Landing in Farnham and Issaya in Bordon, as well as Bizcon in Grayshott.
Small businesses are under a lot of pressure thanks to Labour’s anti-business approach; I am encouraging everyone to shop local - especially during the festive period - to support our local economy.
HASLEMERE AND FARNHAM: DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS
After having met with residents in both Farnham and Haslemere concerned about proposals for new developments, I have written to the Planning Inspectorate to formally object on several grounds.
I know housing, particularly where new housing is to built, is a sensitive topic. I support new housing and fully recognise the need for greater investment to accommodate for our growing population. In both of these cases, there are significant concerns over drainage, the impact on the local environment, and a strain on our existing infrastructure.
I am aware that inappropriate development affects not just Farnham and Haslemere, but many areas across this constituency including in Bordon and Liphook.
I remain steadfast that any new housing must not be a detriment to our community. I will be following these appeals in the coming months.
MEETING WITH DR KABIR FROM PINEHILL SURGERY
I had a meeting with Dr Kabir from the Pinehill Surgery in Bordon, which is a part of the East Hampshire Primary Care Network (PCN) - an association of the local GPs in the area.
We discussed how the Government’s decision to increase National Insurance contributions (NICs) for employers is putting additional strain on PCNs, as well as starting an initial conversation on exploring a new system for improving communication around care in the local community.
After the Budget announcement 2024, I wrote to the Chancellor to request removal of the national insurance for health and social care providers including GPs, hospices, dentists and care homes. The National Insurance Contribution increases, alongside other missteps, are harming businesses, healthcare providers, and families across the country. It is time to prioritise the best interests of the United Kingdom and its people, before the damage becomes irreversible. To this end, this week I was able to raise the issue during the Employer National Insurance Contributions debate:
CHRISTMAS IN HASLEMERE AND THE BOURNE
On Saturday, I joined Revd Sandy, and organisers Jill and Mo, at St Thomas’s to open their Christmas market. The event was in support of the Church’s stained glass window fund and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. It was great to see so many people there supporting the causes and to speak to the dedicated volunteers helping to run the stalls.
Haslemere was bustling with the annual Christmas market, where my family and I spent the afternoon doing some light Christmas shopping; I had the opportunity to talk to charities like the RNLI and the Tantum Trust while we were there and it was lovely to see the event exceptionally well attended.
TESCO'S WINTER FOOD CAMPAIGN
Last year, 2 million meals worth of long-life food items were donated from Tesco’s Winter Food campaign, with stores in both Bordon and Haslemere joining the partnership with FareShare and Trussell.
I joined staff in Bordon to hear about the campaign and their work to redistribute long-life goods to people in communities who are facing hardship this winter.
WEEKLY CONSTITUENT EMAILS BREAKDOWN
Another interesting week where crime, civil law and justice topped the charts. Additionally, international affairs were heavily represented with a lot of questions from constituents regarding the Ministry of Defence’s procurement of uniforms from China. I have raised this with the Ministry of Defence directly.
