Dear Constituent,
Apologies for the delay in this update. Earlier today, Parliament debated and voted on a Bill proposing significant changes to health and social care, particularly around end-of-life decisions. By 5pm yesterday, I had received 745 emails from constituents, the vast majority opposing the legislation. These views, alongside expert briefings and my healthcare background, informed my decision to vote against the Bill.
While the debate raised important issues, I remain concerned about the adequacy of the proposed safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals. International experiences suggest how such laws can expand over time, and I believe more scrutiny is needed as the Bill progresses through Parliament.
This weekend, I’ll be out and about across the constituency and kicking off the festive season at the Haslemere Christmas Fair – I hope to see many of you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
MEETING THE HOUSING MINISTER
After raising the issue of the Government's housing targets on Waverley and East Hants Councils in Parliament I met the Minister for Housing to ask how the Government will be supporting local authorities deliver on the mandatory targets - double the former housing plans in both the Surrey and Hampshire sides of my constituency - without overburdening certain areas with mass development.
Particularly in the East Hampshire side of my constituency where vast areas are protected under the South Downs National Park meaning that many of the targets are being suggested on small and already crowded areas in my constituency.
While everyone wants to see better housing built, I stressed to the Minister the importance of supporting councils to also provide the infrastructure (doctors, schools, etc) to cope with the volume of new inhabitants.
The Minister outlined to me that the long term goal will be to improve Office of National Statistics data to utilise space better, but in the short term, to get their planning guidance up to date which I will be speaking to colleagues on the district and borough councils in my constituency about soon to cope with the inevitable transition.
FIXING BROADBAND IN SURREY AND HAMPSHIRE: MY DEBATE AND SURVEY
This week held a debate in Parliament about the rollout of new broadband in rural areas and the continuation of Project Gigabit, launched under the Conservatives.
I'm pleased that as a result of my debate, the relevant Minister has agreed to meet with me, and colleagues across the country, to look at our local issues "village by village" after I raised the postcode lottery of broadband. My constituents in Dockenfield, Tilford and Greatham for example are among the worst served areas in the country.
To that end, before my next meeting with Government officials, I am launching a new survey on mobile coverage and broadband in Farnham and Bordon, so that I may present the Minister with your experiences to help demonstrate which areas need support.
The survey is live on my website https://www.gregorystafford.co.uk/.../mobile-coverage-and...
You can watch the full debate here https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/5b1ef5d9-6f75-46f2-b7f6-ebbf792818c1?in=16:35:32 (Start Time 16:35)
TACKLING TRANSNATIONAL OPPRESSION IN THE UK
Transnational oppression of Hong Kongers in the UK is characterised by the surveillance and pressure from the Chinese government, which continues to monitor and control the activities of Hong Kong expatriates, even beyond Chinese borders. This creates a climate of fear for many, as they face the dual threat of surveillance from both Chinese authorities and potential repercussions under UK policies that complicate their residency status and general safety.
But transnational oppression is not exclusive to China and affects the fundamental principle that we conservatives value so highly in all areas, freedom of speech and expression, most concerningly witnessing a decline in our higher education systems.
ARMED FORCES PARLIAMENTARY SCHEME VISIT, LYMPSTONE
With the Armed Forces scheme in Parliament, I visited the Royal Marines training centre in to Lympstone, Devon. We were joined by a very special guest, his Majesty the King - you may be able to spot me to the right of his shoulder.
CONSTITUENTS IN PARLIAMENT
It has been fantastic to welcome so many constituents from across Surrey and Hampshire to Parliament this week for a range of reasons from debates to tours.
From Frensham Heights secondary school in Frensham, to welcoming Ms Austin and her son for Prime Minister’s Questions to Mike and the others from Pilgrim’s Way who run Shottermilll Care Home in Haslemere. I look forward to visiting Mike and residents at Shottermill mid next month.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
ON AIR WITH BBC SURREY
I joined BBC Radio Surrey last Friday for their live morning show to talk about my time so far as the MP for our new constituency. It was interesting to think back to what I did on the morning after the election and recall fond memories of my grandparents’ shop in Haslemere.
I spoke about some of the big issues we are facing here, from the impact of the Government’s proposals on our local farmers to dealing with traffic and the proposals for a Wrecclesham Bypass on the A325.
HERITAGE AT HASLEMERE STATION
I met Ken and representatives from the Haslemere Community Station group to discuss the future of the original signal box, which is still currently in use.
As a part of Network Rail’s modernisation of the signalling system, the signal box will eventually be decommissioned. Once this happens, the group is seeking to convert the land around the signal box into a garden and utilise the space as a heritage attraction.
While I was there I also spoke with one of the volunteers about their experience of tourists coming to Haslemere by train; it was lovely to hear how helpful visitors found the information centre.
KNOCKING DOORS IN ROWLEDGE
Despite the high winds and heavy rain over the weekend courtesy of Storm Bert, I was on the door steps in Rowledge talking to residents about their local concerns and wider national issues.
I received some kind feedback from a constituent who commented on how active I have been engaging with residents since I was elected in July.
I’ll be out again soon elsewhere in the constituency.
TAKING QUESTIONS FROM YEAR 6 AT POTTERS GATE SCHOOL
In UK Parliament Week I was invited to Potter’s Gate Primary School in Farnham to speak about how our democracy works and what my role as the MP for Farnham and Bordon means to young people across Surrey and Hampshire.
The school, like many in my constituency, has a great focus on outdoor and eco-focused learning. I was impressed with some of the questions put to me by Year 6 - I have no doubt there are some future politicians in the making!
This is an annual event, where Parliament promotes its work across the country, so if you work in a local school (or know of anyone who does) please do reach out if you’d like to speak about potential events for next year.
EMAIL BREAKDOWN FROM THIS WEEK
As with last week’s breakdown, today’s debate was a huge majority of my weekly correspondence with people outlining their views, concerns and personal anecdotes.
In addition, and ahead of next week’s Opposition Day debate next week on farming I have also received high volumes regarding the unfair inheritance tax raids on our farming industry, crucial to our food security.
Last week, I held a surgery and met with constituents concerned about traffic, planning, social care and more.
