Dear Constituent,
I started the week by joining farmers from across the country at a protest organised by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). The protest highlighted how damaging Government policies are to rural constituencies like ours, and I’ve been working to ensure that those concerns are raised in Westminster. I also spoke in the Border Bill debate, where I relayed the concerns of many of you who are deeply worried about the lack of action on small boats and the loss of lives in the Channel due to people smuggling gangs. Additionally, I questioned the Labour Minister on the Government’s approach to pensioners, many of whom feel increasingly neglected by current policies.
I visited Meadow End Farm in Tilford to discuss the challenges facing our farming community and the ongoing uncertainty about policies that impact their livelihoods. Local healthcare is also a priority, with recent discussions at Badgerswood Pharmacy and the adjacent GP surgery focused on how we can better support our pharmacies and GPs to serve our community’s needs.
Through my regular surgeries, I continue to hear directly from constituents about the issues that matter most. This week, I spoke with residents about everything from housing challenges and local transport concerns, including the need to reinstate the Passfield bus stop, to ongoing injustices facing WASPI women. I have already taken action on these cases, writing to the relevant authorities and pushing for solutions. And in Westminster, I’ve been actively engaging in campaigns that directly affect us here, from securing a future for apprenticeships in the defence sector to championing vital local services like The Edge in Haslemere.
I hosted two constituents in Parliament for a tour prior to watching Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. If you are interested in visiting Parliament for either an organised tour or to watch PMQs, or if there’s anything else I can do to help, please do get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT'S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
PENSIONERS DESERVE BETTER
At my constituency surgery on Monday, a pensioner asked me: “Why does this Labour Government hate pensioners?”
It’s a fair question. Before the election, pensioners were promised security and improvements. Instead, they’ve been hit hard. On Wednesday, I spoke in the Opposition debate on pensioner support, to highlight this Government’s hypocrisy. They told pensioners they would be better off - yet the reality is starkly different.
We’ve seen this pattern before. From WASPI women to struggling farmers, from parents and small businesses to schools and councils, this Government says one thing and does another. Pensioners, like so many others, have been misled and left worse off.
Why is this happening? Perhaps the answer lies in the leaked messages from the Hon. Member for Denton and Gorton (Andrew Gwynne MP). But what is clear is that this Government must stop ignoring the experts, those in the charity sector, healthcare, and social care, who are laying out the facts. It’s time they started listening.
FOOD SECURITY IS NATIONAL SECURITY
This week, I was once again standing with farmers from across the UK; hardworking people who are fed up with being ignored by this Government.
I visit farms in our constituency almost every week, including Meadow End Farm (see below) and the message is always the same: Labour simply doesn’t understand farming. From Farnham and Bordon to Haslemere, Liphook, and the surrounding villages, our farmers are being punished by a Government that doesn’t value rural communities. The removal of key Inheritance Tax exemptions is just the latest blow, adding to a long list of anti-farming policies that threaten livelihoods.
Keir Starmer won’t be able to hide from this crisis much longer. The impact on our rural economy is immeasurable, and I will not stop fighting for our farmers.
Because let’s be clear: food security is national security. And this Government is failing us on both.
SECURING OUR BORDERS IS A MORAL DUTY
Stopping the people-smuggling gangs isn’t just policy - it’s a moral duty. No more children, women, or men should be dying in the Channel.
Yet Labour’s Border Security Bill is a disaster. By scrapping key deterrents, they are actively encouraging illegal immigration and giving traffickers the green light to exploit vulnerable people.
We need a firm but fair system to stop these dangerous crossings. Instead, Labour’s weak approach will cost lives. They have no plan, no grip, and no answer to this crisis.
You can watch my full speech from the debate on my YouTube channel below:
REFORMING MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
On Wednesday, the Health and Social Care Committee heard powerful evidence from mental health experts from Rethink Mental Illness, The McPin Foundation, the National Survivor User Network, and the Centre for Mental Health.
Reforming social care remains one of my top priorities, both nationally and locally, and I will continue to push the Government to tackle these urgent challenges.
We also heard from three people with lived experience of mental health services, including one witness from Farnham and Bordon. Their insights were invaluable, offering a first-hand view of the journey from diagnosis to recovery. This evidence is crucial in helping Committee members understand where services succeed, where they fail, and how we can drive real improvements.
High-quality care and support must be the standard, not the exception. That’s what I’m fighting for.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
One of the greatest pleasures of being an MP is meeting young people who are transforming their futures, contributing to their communities, and making a real difference to our country. Apprenticeships are a shining example of this.
To mark #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, I met apprentices from QinetiQ. While based in Farnborough, QinetiQ employs many of my constituents, including James, who grew up in Farnham and attended Weydon School. It was inspiring to hear how he and his colleagues are developing the cutting-edge skills that will drive innovation in defence and security for years to come.
Apprenticeships in the defence sector are particularly vital. With our constituency’s historic links to the military, it is fantastic to see young people gaining hands-on experience in aerospace, defence, security, and space; industries that are crucial to both our national security and economic strength. Across the UK, these sectors employ 23,000 apprentices, ensuring we remain at the forefront of global defence technology.
At the ADS Group UK reception, I was proud to celebrate the incredible contribution of apprentices to our prosperity and security. Their dedication, skill, and passion are a testament to the power of apprenticeships - not just for individuals, but for the entire country.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BORDON INFANT SCHOOL
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Bordon Infant School, where I met its fantastic staff, pupils, and ‘Young Governors.’ It was inspiring to see their exciting expansion plans and learn about the vital support they provide, including their work with the NHS.
The pupils asked some brilliant questions about my role as an MP, and I was hugely impressed by their curiosity and enthusiasm. I look forward to returning in June for Sports Day!
MEADOW END FARM
I visited Meadow End Farm in Tilford to hear from Mark about the challenges facing our farming community. His insights reinforced just how vital local farmers are to our national food security and how deeply concerned they are about Labour’s damaging policies on imports, tariffs, and subsidies.
With these serious issues in mind, the Conservatives challenged the Government in Parliament this week, ensuring ministers heard directly from those affected. I will continue working closely with local farmers to make sure their voices are heard and their livelihoods protected.
BADGERSWOOD GP SURGEY AND PHARMACY
A strong local healthcare system depends on well-supported pharmacies and GP services. After a constituent raised concerns about the future of pharmacies, I visited Badgerswood Pharmacy to discuss these challenges with Jamie. Pharmacies play a vital role in easing pressure on GPs and hospitals, and ensuring they receive the support they need is essential.
I also met with the practice manager at the adjacent GP surgery to follow up on casework and discuss key issues affecting patients. Speaking with Dr Leung about the future of healthcare in Headley, Lindford, Whitehill & Bordon reinforced how important it is to ensure local voices are heard as services evolve.
These conversations highlight the urgent need to protect and strengthen our local healthcare provision. I will continue pushing for practical solutions to support our doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals.
THE EDGE, HASLEMERE - A LIFELINE FOR ACCESSIBLE SUPPORT
I recently visited The Edge in Haslemere with the Woolmer Hill Sports Association to discuss its future. This facility is invaluable, serving thousands of young people and providing accessible sports opportunities for disabled children across the South of England. Yet, despite its importance, uncertainty hangs over its long-term prospects.
The Edge is the only truly accessible facility in the area, supporting groups such as the Wheelchair Disabled Sports Team and the Cerebral Palsy Football Group. Losing it would be a devastating blow to inclusivity in sport.
Over the coming months, I will coordinate meetings and support discussions to secure a sustainable future for The Edge, ensuring it continues to serve our community for years to come.
STEP BY STEP: FIGHTING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Following their recent event in Parliament, I visited Step by Step in Aldershot alongside their local MP Alex Baker to see first-hand the incredible work they do to support young people facing homelessness and other challenges.
Step by Step provides vital services across the South of England, including supported lodgings, shared accommodation, and mental health support. Their reach extends to Farnham and Haslemere, where they help young people in our community access stable housing, employment opportunities, and personal development programs.
Preventing youth homelessness and ensuring vulnerable young people receive the right support is crucial. I am committed to working with organisations like Step by Step to raise awareness of their work and help secure the resources they need to continue making a difference.
THIS WEEK'S SURGEY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
I held my regular surgery on Monday, speaking with constituents about a range of local issues. One resident shared the difficulties she is facing in selling her flat due to the nearby Woolmead site. I have written to Waverley Borough Council and Homes England to get an update on the plans for the site and will continue to push for progress.
Another discussion focused on the Passfield bus stop in Bordon, which many residents are keen to see reinstated. Given the importance of this stop, particularly for schoolchildren and elderly residents, I have written a letter of support to accompany the funding applications and will continue to back this effort.
Other conversations included my ongoing support for WASPI women, a housing association case, and a child maintenance dispute. If you have an issue you’d like to raise, please do get in touch to book a surgery appointment.
