Dear Constituent,
This final week before the next financial year has laid bare the Government’s economic mismanagement. With businesses already struggling under the heaviest tax burden in history, the Chancellor’s Emergency Budget only reinforced the instability and short-sightedness at the heart of their fiscal policy. I have pressed the Government to acknowledge the damage they are doing, but Wednesday’s statement showed they are unwilling - or unable - to grasp the consequences of their own decisions.
Meanwhile, my focus has remained on the issues that matter most to our community and our country. In Parliament, I led a crucial debate on UK-China relations, highlighting the risks of our growing economic dependence, and questioned witnesses at the Health and Social Care Select Committee on the Government’s plans to abolish NHS England, where I found little clarity on how this will lead to real improvements.
In our constituency, I have been working to support those facing real challenges. I met with Farnham Foodbank to discuss rising demand for their services and the steps they are taking to expand. I visited Badshot Lea Infant School to hear concerns about SEND provision and pressed for more support. I also maintained close contact with the Environment Agency as they investigated reports of river contamination that have caused alarm in our community. And I was honoured to join the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Bordon to celebrate Ramadan and recognise their commitment to service and charity.
I continue to hold regular advice surgeries to support constituents with the issues affecting them, from housing and healthcare to child maintenance and council tax. If you need assistance, please get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
THE EMERGENCY BUDGET: LABOUR’S ECONOMIC MESS
On Wednesday, after insisting she would make only one financial statement a year, Rachel Reeves broke yet another promise by delivering an Emergency Budget.
This was nothing more than a desperate attempt to paper over the cracks Labour has created since July. But our community and local businesses know the truth: when the new financial year begins on Tuesday, it’s hardworking people who will foot the bill.
Watch my debrief video above for more details, or read my article in The Herald via the link below.
Greg Stafford MP: Spring Budget reaction | farnhamherald.com
CHINA’S INFLUENCE - A THREAT TO BRITAIN’S FUTURE
This week, I led a debate in Westminster Hall on UK-China relations—an issue more pressing than ever given the current global landscape.
Britain has become increasingly dependent on China, now our third-largest trading partner. From technology to infrastructure, Chinese goods and materials are embedded in almost every supply chain.
But China’s strategic ambitions and subversive agenda pose a direct threat to our national security. As long as we remain at Beijing’s mercy, achieving key national objectives will be near impossible.
This debate was an opportunity to highlight these concerns. Watch the full debate by clicking the image above, or read the full transcript via the link below.
UK-China Relations - Hansard - UK Parliament
DISCUSSING NHS ENGLAND AT THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
At this week’s Health and Social Care Committee session, we heard from key organisations, including the Patient Safety Commissioner, the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing, and the NHS Confederation.
As you may know, the Government has announced a major restructuring of the NHS, centred around abolishing NHS England. This is no simple process, and I will scrutinise every step to ensure real improvements—not just more upheaval.
On Wednesday, I pressed witnesses on the practical benefits this reorganisation could bring. The answers? Woolly at best. If the Government is serious about reform, it must be clear on how changes will deliver better care—not just shift bureaucracy around.
If you would like to watch this week’s proceedings, you can do so here.
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
By following each link you will be able to see the answers I have received from the departments.
Written Answers - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (10 Mar 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) extended producer responsibility fees and (b) other tax increases on the viability of UK breweries.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (10 Mar 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people on low incomes to access ADHD treatment that is not available through the NHS.
Written Answers - Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (21 Feb 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure adequate safeguards are in place for (a) older and (b) vulnerable people during the transition from the Public Switched Telephone Network to digital landlines.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
RIVER CONTAMINATION: INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE
Over the weekend, alarming reports emerged of contaminated water in our river, with visible foam on the surface and, sadly, dead fish and other marine life. Understandably, this has caused concern in our community, and I immediately made enquiries to establish the cause.
The Environment Agency has been on-site daily since the incident was first reported. Their investigation is focusing on nearby commercial units and the water system to determine the source of the chemical discharge. While test results are still pending, early assessments suggest the contamination may have come from a local sewerage leak, as similar foam has been found on manhole covers in the area.
I remain in close contact with the Environment Agency and will continue to monitor developments. I will provide further updates as soon as more information is available.
VISITING BADSHOT LEA VILLAGE INFANT SCHOOL
I recently visited Badshot Lea Infant School, where I was warmly welcomed by Headteacher Gemma Ball. She gave me a tour of the facilities and introduced me to staff and pupils, who were celebrating Red Nose Day with a fun and creative ‘crazy hair day.’
During my visit, we had a productive and serious discussion about the school’s concerns regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). While the school does its best to support individual pupils, it does not have the capacity to operate as a specialist provision.
I have already raised these concerns with Surrey County Council and will be returning soon with the relevant Councillor to continue the conversation and explore possible solutions. Every child deserves the right support to thrive, and I will keep pushing for better SEND provision in our schools.
IFTAR IN BORDON
I had the pleasure of joining members and friends of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre to celebrate Ramadan. It was a warm and inspiring evening, and I was honoured to present special gifts to individuals whose tireless dedication to local causes truly makes a difference in our community.
As a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I have previously raised questions in Parliament to highlight the challenges they face, both here and abroad. Events like these are a powerful reminder of the community’s generosity, service, and enduring commitment to our area.
SUPPORTING FARNHAM FOODBANK’S VITAL WORK
I met with Fiona and the team from Frontline at Farnham Foodbank, where they are doing crucial work to support individuals and families in need across our area. We had an in-depth discussion about the challenges they are facing, particularly the rising demand for their services.
The dedication of the staff and volunteers behind this project is truly commendable. As reported in The Farnham Herald, the Foodbank is now considering expanding its operations to meet growing demand—a stark reflection of the pressures many households are currently facing.
I will continue working with Farnham Foodbank and exploring how I can support their efforts to ensure no one in our community is left behind.
SURGERY IN FARNHAM AND THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK
On Friday, I returned to Farnham for another advice surgery, meeting with constituents to discuss a range of local and national issues. One resident raised concerns about council tax transparency, while another wanted to discuss the UK Aid budget and how we can build a more sustainable future. I also met with the chairman of Brightwells Gostrey, who are facing challenges in finding an alternative site. I’m proud to now be a patron of this fantastic charity.
In casework, I have written to Integrated Care Boards in Surrey and Hampshire regarding post-surgery support and travel expenses for appointments. I have also contacted Waverley Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council on housing issues, as well as Surrey County Council regarding funding support for care home costs—where I hope to provide a positive update soon.
Additionally, I have received multiple emails about the Child Maintenance Service and have written directly to CMS to push for updates on people’s cases. I will continue working to resolve these issues and ensure constituents get the support they need.
