Dear Constituent,
Standing up for our community means challenging bad legislation, demanding action, and championing the issues that matter to you.
In Parliament, I have been pushing back against the government’s flawed education plans, opposing a Bill that threatens school autonomy, limits parental rights, and places unnecessary restrictions on home education. Families of children with special educational needs already face long waits for diagnosis and support, yet instead of delivering real improvements, the government is focused on creating more bureaucracy. We need practical solutions that make a real difference to children and parents.
I have also called out the government’s broken promises to WASPI women and raised serious concerns about the rise in antisemitism within the NHS. Whether it is pension justice or ensuring our health service remains a safe and inclusive space for all, these are matters of fairness, accountability, and trust.
Within the constituency, I have been championing local projects that strengthen our community. In Churt, I met with local people to support plans for improved sports facilities that will make the recreation ground more inclusive, particularly for women and girls. At St. Alban’s Hindhead, I was delighted to congratulate the church’s Eco Team on achieving the Silver Eco Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. English Tourism Week has also been a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic attractions in our area, and I hope it inspires more people to explore and support our brilliant local tourism sector.
I hold regular surgeries to discuss any concerns you may have. If there is an issue you would like to raise, please get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
PROTECTING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
This week, I spoke in the House of Commons on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which threatens educational freedoms, parental rights, and the diversity of learning options available to our children.
For 25 years, there has been a broad consensus on how to improve educational outcomes, with demonstrable success - England has soared up international rankings. This Bill risks breaking that consensus, leading to poorer results for children.
A key concern is restricting academies’ ability to innovate beyond the national curriculum. Schools must have the flexibility to tailor education to their students’ needs, particularly faith schools and alternative provisions like Pathways School in Churt, which supports vulnerable children through trauma-informed teaching. Imposing a rigid curriculum will stifle specialised approaches that benefit many pupils.
Parental involvement is another vital issue. Parents should have the right to review their children’s educational materials to ensure they are age-appropriate and aligned with their values. Families must be active partners in shaping their children’s learning experiences.
The Bill also places undue restrictions on home education. Many families in Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, and Liphook choose home schooling for its flexibility. Increased state control risks undermining their ability to make the best decisions for their children. While safeguarding is essential, any measures should be proportionate and not unfairly burden responsible home-educating families.
This Bill could undo years of progress in education, imposing unnecessary constraints on schools, limiting parental choice, and weakening academic freedoms. I urged my colleagues to reject this damaging Bill and stand up for a diverse, high-quality, and inclusive education system. I will continue to fight for policies that empower parents, protect school autonomy, and ensure every child receives the best education suited to their needs.
ANTISEMITISM IN OUR INSTITUTIONS
Antisemitism is never acceptable. We must confront it wherever it appears, including in the NHS.
The NHS, built on equality and fairness, should be a safe space for all. Yet, reports of rising antisemitism within the health service are deeply troubling. Discrimination, inappropriate comments, or subtle prejudice have no place in our hospitals or clinics. Action is needed now to protect both patients and staff.
Those responsible must be held to account. Incidents must be properly investigated, and consequences must follow. There is zero tolerance for hatred in our health service, or anywhere in society.
This isn’t just a Jewish issue; it’s a fight for the values that define our nation. I will continue pushing for real action to stamp out antisemitism in the NHS and beyond, ensuring a society where everyone is treated with respect.
ENSURING WASPI WOMEN’S CONCERNS ARE REPRESENTED
In Opposition, many of today’s government leaders - Prime Minister, Chancellor, Work and Pensions Secretary - stood with WASPI women, vowing to right the injustice of sudden state pension age changes. They loudly condemned previous governments and promised fairness.
Now in power, they have abandoned those promises. The same leaders who once championed WASPI women have turned their backs, leaving them without the justice they were assured.
So, in this week’s debate, I asked the government: where is their apology? These women are still waiting. And it’s time for those in power to own up to their broken promises.
ADHD SUPPORT AND TREATMENT DELAYS
As your MP, I speak with parents every week who are struggling with long waits for ADHD diagnosis and support. This crisis needs real action, not more bureaucracy.
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill should be about delivering real help to families, not just setting up another quango. More committees won’t fix the problem; only meaningful action will.
The government must stop passing the buck and start delivering results. Families can’t wait any longer.
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
This week 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 Answers - Treasury: Stamp Duty Land Tax ( 5 Mar 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing people who have instructed solicitors and are in the process of completing property transactions to apply previous stamp duty rates.
Written Answers - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Devolution ( 18 Mar 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the provisions in the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, on (a) localism and (b) communities.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( 19 Mar 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to clarify long-term residency options for Ukrainian refugees in the UK beyond December 2026.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BACKING SPORTING & COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS IN CHURT
It was fantastic to visit Churt Pavilion and hear about the exciting plans to upgrade the village recreation ground. Churt Parish Council, in partnership with local sports groups, is working to make the space more inclusive - especially with new changing facilities for women and girls.
These improvements will open up more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport and help strengthen our community. I’ve written to the Chair of the Parish Council to offer my full support and look forward to seeing this project come to life!
AUCTION NOW OPEN: SUPPORT THE ROYAL SURREY HOSPITAL
All tickets are sold out for the Royal Surrey Charity Gala dinner of 28th March for the new cancer and Surgical Innovation centre.
However you can still support us by bidding for something from our auction platform.
From jewellery to gin or wine tours, local restaurants, fitness, fun experiences, F1 British Grand Prix and dog grooming services to name a few.
Please follow this link to bid ahead of the evening: https://superstars-auctions.com/royalsurreycharity2025
HINDHEAD’S ‘ECO CHURCH’
Environmental responsibility starts locally, and St Alban’s Church in Hindhead is leading the way. I was delighted to visit and congratulate Revd Mitchell and the Eco Team on earning the Silver Eco Award from A Rocha UK; a fantastic achievement!
Their commitment to sustainability, from managing green spaces to championing eco-friendly practices, is a shining example of how faith communities can drive positive change.
It was inspiring to meet the team behind this work and see the real impact they’re making on both the church and the wider environment. A truly uplifting visit.
ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK 2025
This English Tourism Week, I’m celebrating the fantastic attractions we have right on our doorstep! From historic landmarks to stunning countryside walks, our area has something for everyone.
In partnership with Visit Hampshire and Visit Surrey, I’ve put together a short video showcasing some of our hidden gems and must-visit spots.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, I hope it inspires you to explore and support our brilliant local tourism sector. Watch the video below and discover all we have to offer!
THIS WEEK’S SURGERY AND CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
My week started off with another surgery where I discussed a range of topics. This included house building targets and the local government re-organisation; I also spoke with two constituents who had some concerns over a planning application next door to their property. Throughout the rest of the week I have chased up ministerial responses from when I have written to a Department on behalf of a constituent regarding an issue. I have received updates from SCC regarding speeding in Farnham, from Thames Water regarding infrastructure improvements and various Housing Associations relating to individual housing issues.
