Dear Constituent,
This week in Parliament, the Employment Rights Bill returned for further scrutiny. What should have been a serious effort to strengthen workers' protections has instead been hijacked by Trade Union-sponsored amendments, prioritising political interests over real improvements for employees. Worse still, it heaps additional costs onto businesses, particularly small enterprises in hospitality and agriculture, sectors already struggling under the weight of Labour’s policies.
Closer to home, I have been pushing for greater investment in our community’s infrastructure, from health services in Bordon to transport upgrades in Farnham and Wrecclesham. Access to banking services, broadband, and social care also remains a major challenge, and I have been meeting with key stakeholders to push for practical solutions. Meanwhile, my work on your local issues has ranged from urgent environmental concerns, such as sewage flooding in Wrecclesham, to supporting local farmers fighting unfair taxation policies that threaten family businesses.
Our towns and villages thrive on strong communities and local action - whether that’s backing volunteers preparing Badshot Lea Cemetery for Green Flag Award judging, or supporting local charities like Change of Scene, which urgently needs a new home to continue its transformative work with vulnerable children. I will continue to stand up for the issues that matter to you.
Your calls, emails, and letters shape my work every day. If there’s anything else I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
Best wishes,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
LABOUR’S EMPLOYMENT BILL:
A £5 BILLION BURDEN ON BRITAIN
After ten hours of debate across two days, the Employment Rights Bill returned to the House of Commons for its third reading. From allowing trade unions to rewrite policy, scrapping flexible work for students, and saddling British businesses with £5 billion in extra costs - according to the government’s own impact analysis - this Bill has it all.
In the short time Labour has been in government, we have seen many trials and tribulations, but this truly takes the biscuit. That is why I felt it necessary to scrutinise every angle of this Bill, to stand up for our economy and small businesses, and to vote against those who lack any real-world experience beyond Whitehall and the trade union movement.
In Parliament, I raised serious concerns about provisions in the Bill that would allow unions to bypass existing rules on political donations, enabling Labour to receive funds from workers by default - without their active consent. This is not about protecting workers’ rights but about consolidating union power to benefit Labour.
But the hypocrisy does not end there. Labour MPs, including Zarah Sultana and Baggy Shanker, each received around £10,000 from the unions last year, yet failed to disclose these substantial sums.
If Labour truly supported transparency, they would declare these payments as proudly as they declare their trade union memberships.
BANKS, BUSES AND BYPASSES:
WHY RURAL INVESTMENT CAN’T WAIT
This week in Parliament, I highlighted the ongoing infrastructure challenges faced by the four towns in my constituency: Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, and Liphook. A range of issues - including gaps in health services, broadband, transport, banking, and general infrastructure - are significantly affecting residents and businesses. It is essential that the Government addresses these shortcomings.
At the heart of rural communities is the village pub, a vital social hub. However, excessive Government red tape is placing unnecessary pressure on the industry, threatening its future. Many local publicans have shared their concerns with me, and it is clear that more support is needed to protect these community cornerstones.
Banking services are another pressing issue. My entire constituency is served by just one bank and one building society. While banking hubs offer a partial solution, they do not fully meet the needs of our communities.
Health infrastructure, particularly in Bordon, remains a challenge. Despite numerous letters to the Secretary of State, I have yet to receive a response regarding the crucial issues surrounding Chase Community Hospital. This lack of engagement is unacceptable, and I will continue to push for action.
Transport infrastructure in rural areas also needs urgent attention. I urged the Government to fulfil its promise to upgrade Hickley’s Corner and to support future funding for the Wrecclesham bypass.
While urban areas continue to receive substantial investment, rural communities like ours are too often left behind. I called on the Government to address these inequalities and ensure our constituency gets the support it deserves.
HEALTH COMMITTEE UPDATES
This week, Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee gathered evidence from a range of witnesses, including individuals with lived experience, health professionals, and senior officials from NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards. This session was part of the ongoing inquiry into the provision of community mental health services (CMHS) for adults with severe mental health needs.
To watch the session please see the following link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/03fb0901-0fb8-4654-8814-3b4ef5af7dad
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
This week I am trying something new and giving you an overview of a few questions I have written to the government about this week as a result of emails from constituents. This week, constituents have raised a breadth of concerns ranging from education policy, to the economy and international issues.
By following each link you will be able to see the answers I have received from the departments.
Written parliamentary questions - Department for Transport: Hampshire
Gregory Stafford MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's document entitled Local highways maintenance: additional funding from 2023 to 2034, updated on 23 January 2025, whether the £132 million of Network North funding for Hampshire County Council will be provided between the 2023-24 and 2034-35 financial years.
Written parliamentary questions - Home Office: Money laundering
Gregory Stafford MP: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) crime networks and (b) money laundering systems operating behind (i) barbers and (ii) nail shops.
Written parliamentary questions - Department for Health and Social Care: Heart Disease Screening Gregory Stafford MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of conducting a review of the UK National Screening Committee's decision-making process regarding screening for sudden cardiac death.
Written parliamentary questions - Department for Business and Trade: Business rates
Gregory Stafford MP: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the higher multiplier on properties with RV of £500,000 and above on the food and drink wholesale sector.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
LAUNCH OF THE BORDON TASK FORCE
I was pleased to be joined by East Hampshire District Council’s leadership for the inaugural meeting of my new Bordon Task Force.
It’s no secret that progress on Whitehill & Bordon’s 20-year regeneration project has stalled in recent years, and I know how frustrated residents are with missed deadlines. While the completed developments are undeniably impressive, we need to see real action on outstanding projects, such as the new Sainsbury’s, and clear answers on the future of the Health Hub.
The meeting was productive, and I am grateful to everyone who joined me in this latest effort to accelerate progress. Key timescales were set, and we will reconvene in early June to review developments.
One thing was clear: stakeholders must improve communication with residents. I’m proud to play my part in this long-term project and look forward to working with all involved to ensure Bordon’s regeneration delivers on its promises.
URGENT APPEAL: “CHANGE OF SCENE” NEEDS SUPPORT
Readers may recall that last week’s newsletter featured Farnham-based charity Change of Scene, a transformative alternative provision for children with special needs.
During my visit, I spent time with Pam, the Chief Executive, who shared the charity’s 17-year history and the profound impact their work has had on children across our area.
Change of Scene now faces a pressing challenge: they need to find a new home and time is running out. They are urgently searching for a site with 12 acres of land within 40 minutes of Farnham. You can read more about their appeal on their website: www.changeofscene.org.uk
If you, or anyone you know, can help, please do get in touch.
WORLD BOOK DAY FUN AT ST MARY’S INFANT SCHOOL
After donning my own Aslan costume for World Book Day with my family, I was delighted to visit St Mary’s C of E School in Frensham to celebrate the occasion with pupils.
The visit was also a great opportunity to hear about the school’s plans for a new playground area - an exciting project that the children can’t wait to see come to life.
In the spirit of World Book Day, I brought along some new books for Year 2. Bluey was undoubtedly the favourite!
MEETING THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION IN TILFORD
After months of campaigning to stop Labour’s Family Farm Tax, I visited the Mathias family’s agricultural nursery once again to discuss the ongoing threat this policy poses to family-run farms.
Time and time again, alongside organisations like the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), we have called for this tax to be scrapped. The NFU has even put forward alternative proposals to the Treasury - but they simply won’t listen.
For farmers and growers like Mathias, which include commercial woodland that takes more than two generations to generate revenue, this tax is especially unfair. Under Labour’s plan, families in these circumstances could be forced to pay inheritance tax twice before ever seeing the rewards of their years of hard work.
I will continue engaging with farmers across our community and offering them my full support in fighting this damaging policy.
HELPING OUT AT BADSHOT LEA CEMETARY
It was great to join volunteers at Badshot Lea’s cemetery after Farnham Town Council called for volunteers to help ahead of a visit from judges for the Green Flag Award and South East in Bloom.
I got stuck in by planting new hazel, which will provide essential foraging ground for local wildlife, including field mice. It’s always fantastic to see our community coming together to support these projects and enhance our local environment.
SUPPORTING QUALITY SOCIAL CARE IN HAMPSHIRE
I was pleased to be invited to visit Agincare, a supported living provider, at one of their sites in Bordon. It was a valuable opportunity to see their facilities and meet some of the residents.
The visit, organised by Cllr Liz Fairhurst, highlighted how local authorities can work effectively with private care providers to deliver high-quality social care. Ensuring strong partnerships like these is essential to meeting the needs of our communities.
THIS WEEK’S SURGERY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week, I have dealt with a wide range of casework, including an urgent sewage issue in Wrecclesham, where an overflowing drain is spilling into the Bourne Stream. I immediately wrote to Thames Water, urging them to take swift action. A few days later, I also contacted the company regarding their plans for long-term infrastructure upgrades in Liphook.
Other issues I have been working on include skilled worker visa applications, where I have made enquiries with the Home Office, as well as obstructive vehicle parking causing problems for local residents.
I continue to assist constituents with long-standing concerns such as anti-social behaviour in Liphook, SEND enquiries - including EHCP delays - road safety, housing repairs, and HMRC complaints. If you have an issue you feel I can help with, please do get in touch.
