Dear Constituent,
Apologies that this update is arriving later than planned. I’ve been in Parliament all day for the Report Stage of the Assisted Dying Bill - a complex and emotional issue. Many of you have taken the time to share your views with me, and I’m very grateful.
While Parliament backed the principle of assisted dying at Second Reading, we’re now at the stage of deciding whether the Bill can be made workable and safe. I have serious concerns about the lack of strong safeguards to protect vulnerable people from pressure, as well as the impact this change could have on hospices and care homes that focus on end-of-life care.
Today’s debate was frustrating. There were over 100 amendments tabled, including 44 from the Bill’s sponsor, but not nearly enough time to examine them properly. Once again, I wasn’t able to speak in the debate, just as I wasn’t called at Second Reading. I did vote in favour of amendments that would have strengthened the Bill’s protections, but they were narrowly defeated. Worryingly, many of the original safeguards were removed at Committee Stage. Several medical bodies, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists, have now come out against the current version of the Bill.
Second Reading was described as "Parliament at its best." Today was anything but, and due to the lack of scrutiny and safeguards, I expect to vote against it at Third Reading.
In addition to that debate, I’ve been continuing to speak up on local issues. I’ve challenged Ministers on the proposed expansion of Farnborough Airport, pushed for better broadband and mobile coverage, and called for urgent progress on compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal. I’ve also raised questions about funding for church repairs and action on maternal health inequalities - both areas where I believe national decisions must reflect the needs of communities like ours.
Back in the constituency, I’ve been meeting residents, visiting local events, and supporting community organisations. From VE Day commemorations in Liphook and Haslemere to time with schools, charities and small businesses, it’s been a full week across Farnham, Bordon and the surrounding villages. Casework continues every day, with people getting in touch about housing, access to healthcare and support for children with additional needs. These conversations shape the work I do on your behalf.
If you or your family ever need support, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
RESIDENTS MUST GET PROPER SAY ON FARNBOROUGH
I raised concerns about the proposed expansion of Farnborough Airport and the timing of its consultation - currently set for August, when many residents will be away.
I asked the Department for Transport what steps could be taken to ensure proper public engagement, but the Minister confirmed that the matter rests entirely with Rushmoor Borough Council as the local planning authority. Given the level of concern across affected communities, I’ll be writing directly to the Council to push for a meaningful consultation that gives local people a fair chance to have their say.
PUSHING FOR CLARITY OVER CHURCH SUPPORT
In Westminster Hall, I again raised concerns about the future of church repair funding - particularly for projects already underway that now risk exceeding the Government’s proposed £25,000 cap.
I asked whether any reassurances had been given that these schemes could continue, but no clear commitment was offered. I’m continuing to push on this, and I’m still hearing from local clergy who are deeply concerned about the future of their buildings and the skilled work they rely on.
Churches are at the heart of our community life and a vital part of our heritage. I won’t let this issue drop.
BROADBAND LATEST: MEETING THE TELECOMS MINISTER
As part of my ongoing work to improve digital connectivity, I met this week with Sir Chris Bryant MP, the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms. It was an informative and productive meeting, with a particular focus on mobile coverage - an area where I know many residents are still facing real frustrations.
We also covered time-sensitive broadband issues in places like Conford and Passfield, where poor connectivity continues to hold people back - and I hope to have positive news soon.
I’m pleased to say that the survey responses received so far have now been submitted in full to Building Digital UK, which oversees the Government’s Project Gigabit programme and strategic mobile coverage rollout.
Next, I’ll be meeting with EE to discuss local mobile coverage and will re-engage with Vodafone after their merger with Three is complete. I’ll keep pressing all parties to deliver the reliable, future-proof infrastructure our area deserves.
NO TIME FOR DELAYS ON INFECTED BLOOD
The infected blood scandal remains one of the most shocking failures of duty in our country’s recent history. This week, I spoke in Parliament to highlight the case of Helen, a Farnham resident whose life has been devastated by this injustice.
Helen lost her partner due to infected blood and is now seriously ill herself. While she has received an interim payment, the wait for full compensation continues, adding to the strain of her ongoing cancer treatment.
The promises made to victims must be honoured. I will keep pushing until those affected receive the redress they are owed - without further delay.
THE LAST WORD WITH ITV MERIDIAN
I appeared on ITV Meridian’s The Last Word last night with Kit Bradshaw, joining a panel discussion alongside representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Immigration dominated the debate, with a range of views on the Government’s approach and the Prime Minister’s recent intervention.
You can catch the full episode on ITVX.
MATERNAL HEALTH AT THIS WEEK’S COMMITTEE
This week at the Health and Social Care Select Committee, we held the first of two evidence sessions on black maternal health - an area where disparities remain stark. The maternal mortality rate for black women is nearly three times higher than for white women, and there are significant concerns about access to culturally sensitive care, pre-conception support and the impact of pre-existing conditions.
We heard from campaigners, academics and frontline organisations, including Five X More, Birthrights UK, and Black Mothers Matter. Their evidence painted a clear picture: more needs to be done to ensure black women receive the care and attention they deserve throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
I will be supporting the Committee in pressing for better accountability and for targeted action through initiatives like the Women’s Health Strategy and the Maternity Disparities Taskforce.
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 - Home Department (7 May 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of limiting sponsored workers to 20 hours of secondary employment on migrant workers; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of permitting additional regulated employment to support those workers to meet living costs.
Written Answers - Department for Transport (8 May 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with representatives of Farnborough Airport on levels of pollution.
Written Answers - Home Department (8 May 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) the use of pro-Hamas slogans, (b) other public displays of support and (c) online displays of support for Hamas.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
CONTINUING VE DAY CELEBRATIONS
I joined events in Liphook and Haslemere to continue marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, following two fantastic commemorations in Farnham and Bordon last Thursday.
At the Liphook Millennium Centre, I dropped into a VE Day luncheon filled with bunting and celebration. On Saturday, Lion Green in Haslemere was a buzz with live music, food and drink, and a Spitfire flypast that brought the community together to mark the occasion.
Across the area, volunteers, councillors, local groups and residents have worked hard to put on events like these. It’s a great example of how our community can perform at its best.
SUPPORTING BEREAVED IN HINDHEAD
At the Hindhead Bereavement Café, based in St Alban’s Church and coordinated by Merrill, I joined a conversation about grief, loss and what long-term support really looks like. Jane from Crossways Counselling, based in Haslemere, brought a thoughtful perspective, drawing on her experience supporting people through some of their most difficult moments.
Too often, formal support for families ends after six weeks. But grief doesn’t follow a timeline. I’ll be raising this with the Health Secretary and using what I heard to inform my discussions with our local Integrated Care Boards about more formal arrangements for bereavement groups.
For more information and to see when the group next meetings, visit Bereavement Cafe - St Alban's Church Hindhead.
WILLIAM COBBETT SCHOOL
I visited William Cobbett School for a tour and an in-depth discussion with headteacher Andrew Stear. Alongside meeting staff and pupils, I spent time looking at their SEND provision and hearing about the challenges they face - many of which mirror conversations I've had with other school leaders in the area.
These visits are essential, not just to inform my work in Parliament, but to make sure children and families here are getting the focus and support they deserve.
NEW ROWING WORLD RECORD
On Saturday I joined John Devaney at Jetts Gym in Brightwells as he set a new world record for marathon rowing - completing the 26.2 miles an astonishing 20 minutes faster than the previous best.
John lost his leg to cancer in 2006 and is now ranked No.1 in the world. His drive and resilience are nothing short of inspiring. It was a real privilege to meet his supporters and the team at Jetts, who have backed him throughout. A remarkable achievement, and a great moment for everyone there to witness.
A BURST OF COLOUR ON DOWNING STREET
Rainbow Roar is a bright and inclusive space on Downing Street in Farnham, run by Anna and Sarah, who have built something genuinely special. The shop brings together local traders, each contributing their own style to a shared space that feels creative, joyful and full of energy.
I first met Anna through the Last Wednesday SEND Support Group, where she gave me her ADHD ‘Advocacy Pack’. Since then, I’ve taken the issues she raised to Parliament and brought back responses from Government, which I shared during my visit on Saturday.
Anna’s now kindly putting together further material to continue this important work. Both her and Sarah should be very proud of Rainbow Road; it gives young people real opportunities to learn, contribute and thrive in a community setting. I saw that first-hand during my visit with young people stocking their own inventory on the shelves!
OUT WITH THE FARNHAM RANGERS
I met one of Farnham’s ‘Rangers’, Billy, last week. He and his colleague are commissioned by the Business Improvement District (BID), and act as a visible and approachable presence in the town centre - supporting local businesses and helping to keep Farnham welcoming for everyone.
As part of our visit, we stopped into several shops to help draw winners for a recent competition run by the BID alongside Farnham Town Council and other local partners. A great way to celebrate the brilliant range of businesses we have right on our doorstep.
DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK
As a Patron of The Hunter Centre, I’m pleased to share details of their events for Dementia Action Week (17th - 25th May 2025), raising awareness and supporting those affected by dementia in our community.
Events:
- Saturday 17 May – Farmhouse Breakfast at The Hunter Centre. Two sittings: 9.30am and 11.00am. Tickets £15. Booking essential via Elaine Clement (01428 654710) or James Halfhide (01428 644088)
- Monday 19 May – Virtual Dementia Bus, Haslemere High Street car park (behind Waitrose), 10am - 4pm. Experience the challenges faced by those living with dementia.
- Tuesday 20 May – Carers Information Hub, Methodist Church, Weyhill, Haslemere, 1.30 - 3.30pm. Advice and resources from The Hunter Centre, Admiral Nurses, Age UK, and home care agencies.
- Wednesday 21 May – Kindness Café, The Pavilion, Grayshott Recreation Grounds, 10.30am–12.30pm. Enjoy morning coffee with entertainment.
- Thursday 22 May – Open Evening at The Hunter Centre, 7pm. Talks on early diagnosis and nutrition, followed by refreshments. I plan to attend and speak about the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s work on dementia care.
- Friday 23 May – Virtual Dementia Bus, Crown Court car park, Godalming, 10am - 4pm.
- Sunday 25 May – Hidden Gardens of Grayshott, 12 noon - 6pm. Explore local gardens; entry £7.50 (under 16s free). The Hunter Centre will be present to offer advice.
For further details, visit Community News — The Hunter Centre: Supporting those living with Dementia.
BLUE PLAQUE SCHEME: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Historic England is inviting nominations for its National Blue Plaques Scheme, celebrating people who’ve made a real difference to society - whether nationally known or local legends who deserve recognition.
As someone who values the history and heritage of our area, I’d encourage residents to think about who from our community might be worthy of this lasting tribute.
Nominations are open until 10 July 2025. For more details and to submit your suggestion, visit:
Historic England - National Blue Plaques Scheme
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK AND SURGERY BREAKDOWN
This week I’ve been helping residents with a wide range of local issues. Housing continues to feature heavily, including concerns over rising service charges and ongoing problems with housing allocation involving both Waverley Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council.
Health concerns were also raised, including an unacceptably long wait for a hip replacement and the impact of Sodium Valproate on local families. I’ve contacted the relevant organisations to push for answers and action.
At my virtual surgery, I spoke with residents about support for complex needs housing, additional needs provision for young people, and concerns around geo-engineering proposals - which I’ve followed up with a parliamentary question.
If you would like to raise a concern or book a surgery appointment, please get in touch.
