Dear Constituent,
This week, I’ve been busy standing up for the issues that matter most to our community, both in Parliament and across the constituency. From pushing for better infrastructure to support new developments to celebrating the achievements of our fantastic local schools, I’m making sure your voice is heard in Westminster.
I’ve been fighting to protect our historic churches under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. While the Government has extended the scheme, it has capped funding and cut budgets, leaving many places of worship in limbo. I’ll be campaigning for proper, long-term support to safeguard these vital community landmarks.
Out and about, I’ve been knocking on doors, most recently in Frensham, Churt, and Tilford, hearing first-hand concerns about road conditions and the future of green energy. I’ve also joined local events, from Farnham Assist’s community lunch to a tour of the Ahmadiyya university, and even took part in a choral workshop with the Waverley Singers. Every conversation, whether on the doorstep or in the pub, helps shape the work I do on your behalf.
I look forward to speaking with more of you in the coming weeks — so if you see me in your area, do pop out and say hello!
But as always, if you need assistance or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE
Over and over again, I have emphasised the urgent need for proper infrastructure in both new and existing developments across Waverley and East Hampshire. However, under the Labour Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, housing targets have doubled, enforcing mandatory quotas that will continue for years to come.
In Waverley, the annual target of 1,400 new homes has left the council with just a 1.5-year housing supply—a shortfall mirrored in East Hampshire. Furthermore, national planning protections, including the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, mean that 80% of developments in both areas are confined to small zones, adding to the strain.
Nowhere is this problem more evident than in Bordon, where rapid development has outpaced essential infrastructure. Residents face shortages of GPs, schools, pharmacies, dentists, shops, and even basic facilities such as car parks. To highlight these challenges, I invited Secretary of State Angela Rayner MP to join me on a walking tour of Bordon, ensuring that the government fully grasps the infrastructure needs of rural constituencies like ours.
WEIGHT-LOSS INJECTIONS CONCERN
This week, I spoke with print and broadcast media about the escalating use of weight-loss medications across the healthcare sector and among individuals. Originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, drugs like Ozempic have gained attention for their appetite-suppressing properties, leading to widespread off-label use for weight loss.
Alarmingly, there has been a significant increase in hospitalisations due to adverse reactions from weight-loss injections. Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals in the UK have been hospitalised with serious side effects, including severe dehydration, seizures, and pancreatitis. Notably, only 5% of these users had medical prescriptions, with many obtaining the injections online or through social media, raising concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit or unsafe products.
Given these developments, I am deeply concerned about the unregulated sale and prescribing of these potentially harmful drugs in mainstream markets and within our healthcare system. It is imperative to ensure that weight-loss medications are used safely and appropriately, with proper medical supervision, to protect public health.
AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS
I am immensely proud of the outstanding quality of education across Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook, and the surrounding areas. This excellence has been recognised by the British Council, which has honoured St Peter’s School in Farnham and St Ives School in Haslemere for their international collaboration. Congratulations to both schools on this well-deserved recognition, which reflects the dedication of their staff, the hard work of their students, and the positive impact they have on our local community and abroad.
HOSTING HASLEMERE ROTARIANS IN PARLIAMENT
Hosting the Haslemere Rotarians in Parliament was a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on a range of important issues. I arranged a question-and-answer session, where we covered topics from the USA Presidential elections to the impact of inheritance tax on farmers — an issue particularly relevant to me as I prepare to visit more local constituent’s farms.
The session allowed for an open and productive exchange of views, and I truly valued the chance to hear directly from the Rotarians on matters affecting both our local community and the wider national conversation. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Rotarians for their outstanding charity work, which makes a real difference to so many people. It was an enriching experience, and I look forward to continuing these discussions in the future.
THE NEW 'WORSHIP TAX'
The Government has responded to my calls to extend the Listed Places of Worship Scheme for churches. Across Farnham and Bordon, six listed churches saved £42,903 in 2022-2023 through this scheme, which provides vital financial support for repairs and maintenance to places of worship in England.
However, Labour’s announcement comes with significant drawbacks, including a new annual cap, an overall budget cut, and only a one-year extension. While this funding offers temporary relief for churches in urgent need, the Government has failed to commit to long-term support for our historic religious buildings.
I have already been in contact with our local clergy and will be writing to the Secretary of State to demand better support for our churches. I am committed to campaigning against this new ‘worship tax’ and ensuring proper funding for these cherished landmarks.
SUPPORTING AUTISTIC PEOPLE IN EDUCATION AND WORK
The National Autistic Society’s session in Parliament highlighted the importance of creating inclusive systems for autistic individuals in education and the workplace. By advocating for tailored support, reasonable adjustments, and greater understanding, the event aimed to raise awareness of the challenges autistic people face. Building environments that foster inclusion not only helps individuals thrive but also strengthens diversity, innovation, and equality in society. I am committed to ensuring accessibility and support for all, as this is essential for creating a fairer, more inclusive future.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
OUT AND ABOUT IN OUR VILLAGES
I was delighted to be joined by Spelthorne’s MP, Lincoln Jopp, for a weekend of knocking on doors in Frensham, Churt, and Tilford. It’s always a pleasure to show fellow MPs around our wonderful area — I never fail to feel proud of our community and its surroundings.
Going door to door, street to street (and pub to pub!) is vital for me to hear directly from local people about the issues that matter most. This time, road quality and the future of green energy were the hot topics on the doorstep. These conversations are invaluable in shaping the work I do on your behalf.
I’m making my way around the constituency on a rolling basis. Next stops: Liphook and Grayshott, followed by Whitehill and Bordon. If you see me on your street, do pop out and say hello!
OPEN DAY AT JAMIA AHMADIYYA
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community’s dedicated university, located between Haslemere and Hindhead, recently held an open day, giving local residents the opportunity to learn more about the faith’s rich history.
I was grateful for the warm welcome and enjoyed touring the library, but the highlight for me was their fascinating exhibition on the faith’s relationship with Britain over the past two centuries.
COMMUNITY LUNCH IN HALE
At Bethel Baptist Church, I joined Farnham Assist’s regular community lunch, a fantastic initiative that brings together older residents who live alone, offering them the chance to socialise and meet new people. These lunches, held at both Bethel Church and Farnham Memorial Hall, provide a warm and welcoming space for conversation and connection.
It was a pleasure to meet Rodney, the manager, and to chat with the wonderful volunteers and attendees. I was also glad to have the opportunity to say a few words about the work I’m doing for our local community.
This is a truly valuable cause and a lifeline for many in the Farnham area. If you’d like to find out more, do visit their website.
ELIJAH WITH THE WAVERLEY SINGERS
The Waverley Singers recently held a choral workshop at St Thomas-on-the-Bourne in preparation for their upcoming performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah in Aldershot on March 22nd. As a member of the Parliamentary Choir and equipped with my own score of this classic, I had the pleasure of joining the group for the latter part of their workshop. It was a delight to meet the accomplished conductor and the wonderful choir members.
It was truly wonderful to participate in such a delightful occasion, and I highly encourage those interested to attend the upcoming performance. For tickets, or if you are interested in joining, you can find more information on their website.
WEEKLY CONSTITUENT EMAILS BREAKDOWN
This week, I have received correspondence about the Climate and Nature Bill as well as concerns around the use of mobile phones in schools, AI and the future of copyright.
You can view this week’s topical breakdown below:
