Dear Constituent,
It was great to start the week off in Birmingham for Conservative Party Conference where I spoke on a healthcare panel, watched the leadership events and met local members who were attending across the four days.
The latter half of this week has been busy in the constituency with welcoming the Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation and neighbouring MP, Andrew Griffith to Surrey and Hampshire. From meeting business owners to care home visits, its been a FAB week.
Also, this is a reminder of my Pension Credit Advice Surgery on the 11th of October (a week today) between 1-3pm at Grayshott Village Hall.
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
CONFERENCE ROUND-UP
The majority of this week was determined by the agenda of Party Conference in Birmingham. I was asked to speak on two panels including one organised by Total Politics, Roche Cancer Care and the Health and Social Care Forum on how we can work to bring healthcare closer to home. Additionally, I spoke on Demos’ roundtable about the role of Conservatism in civil society.
I was also able to engage with groups such as Cancer Research and Marie Curie on improving cancer care and rehabilitation as well as relaying constituents concerns about CityFibre and general rural broadband roll-out. Additionally, I met with the CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) to see how I can support all 56 pubs across Farnham and Bordon and the areas between. The former Conservative Government froze beer duty and gave 75% reliefs, I hope that the Government continue this essential support to the hospitality industry.
Aside from my events, I was able to see the final four leadership candidates go head-to-head on Wednesday at the leadership hustings ahead of the final MP votes on Tuesday and Wednesday.
See the following link to my Facebook to discover more about who I spoke to: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/Cb8N5SfDDyTMYkkQ/
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
OUT WITH SURREY AND HAMPSHIRE POLICE
I completely understand the importance of living in a safe neighbourhood, and knowing we can rely on our police forces to support us when we need them. Since my election, I was determined to develop a close working relationship with both Surrey and Hampshire Police so that I can ensure your concerns are heard and that I can make progress on some key issues for our area going forward.
Alongside Donna Jones (Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner) and Habib Rahman (District Commander for East Hampshire), we went out in Bordon to talk about the strategic direction of Hampshire Police, the decreasing crime rates in Whitehill and Bordon, and how I can support the force with their ongoing objectives. We had also spoke with some retail staff about their experience with shoplifting, and how important it is to report all crimes of which they may be victims.
Later, I went out in Farnham with Rob Brian (Waverley Borough Commander) to talk about the impact of new developments, police visibility, anti-social behaviour and organised crime. I was pleased to hear about how successful one of their officers had been in recent months tackling county lines in the area.
I’ll be meeting with both forces and Police and Crime Commissioners again soon.
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING IN WHITEHILL VILLAGE HALL
On Saturday, Cancer Testing South held a pop-up blood screening event in Whitehill for prostate cancer. This event is open to all men over 40 and everyone is encouraged to attend an annual test.
1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, so getting regular check-ups is vital to getting ahead of any potential risks we face. I took a painless and quick test myself while I was there, and I strongly encourage everyone to access this service as and when there is a local testing site near you.
FARNHAM SOCIETY'S AGM
I was delighted to be invited as the guest speaker at the Farnham Society’s Annual General Meeting last Friday. Having recently enjoyed visiting some participating sites during the Heritage Open Days, I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet so many members. I spoke about my time so far as the local MP, my priorities for the area, some of the challenges we face nationally and my work to date on key campaigns including SEND education, local infrastructure, and local healthcare.
CHALLENGERS FARNHAM
Having somewhere to go for short breaks gives children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) a safe space for much needed downtime, away from their normal place of residence or school, and allowing parents and family essential respite.
Challengers in East Farnham celebrated its 45th year and I was delighted to met Gen, their CEO, and a group of parents to discuss both the success of the organisation and where I may be able to support them going forward as their MP.
I have had regular meetings on SEND and the wider topic since my election, including with parents, staff and council officers, and will continue to work hard on the issue.
TALKING ABOUT OLD AGE CARE WITH CLD LIVING
CHD Living is an award-winning family run care group, providing outstanding facilities across Surrey for people at all stages of life. I visited one of their original facilities on the outskirts of Haslemere – Brownscombe House – to speak with some of their residents, staff and management. It was clear to me that CHD has a real dedication to their residents and staff, investing in both high quality accommodation and training.
People need care in their lives for so many different reasons, and it was interesting to hear from CHD about their wider operations and how they cater for everyone’s needs. I was particularly impressed by their upcoming trial of AI technology to track residents’ movements in their rooms in case of a fall at night. There are some challenges they face though, along with the rest of the care sector, which I will be following up with and seeing where I may be able to push for support locally and at a national level.
WELCOMING THE SHADOW SCIENCE AND TECH SECRETARY TO HASLEMERE AND LIPHOOK
I know how some residents and businesses in the more rural areas are still struggling with access to fast and reliable broadband. This week I spoke with CityFibre – responsible for Hampshire – whilst at Party Conference, and I will be meeting with the body responsible for Surrey soon. Yesterday I met with the Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology in Haslemere; there’ll be more information about his visit available next week on my social media and website, and I look forward to updating you in the coming weeks with more information about my work on this issue.
VISITING BORDON BUSINESS OWNER
With the expanding population in Bordon and new developments also bring new commercial spaces for our community. I was invited by local business-owner, Samantha to visit her new unisex salon (Glamore World) and beauty training centre. Samantha has dedicated herself to her business and has even started her own range of products, Samantha’s primary focus is offering a full range of training courses for those wanting to develop their careers in the beauty sector.
Located in one of the new developments off the A325, there are a few issues I’m currently supporting Samantha with such as signage.
I am keen to offer any support for businesses – new and old – in my constituency, so please do get in touch if there is anything you would like to talk about.
