Dear Constituent,
Parliament was sitting again this week following the Whitsun recess, and I’ve returned to Westminster with my same clear focus: making sure that the voices of people across our constituency are not just heard, but acted upon.
Time and again, residents tell me they feel ignored by those in power. Whether it’s long delays on local healthcare promises, the steady erosion of essential services like banking, or the lack of joined-up support for young people and carers, the message is the same: people want accountability.
That’s why I used Prime Minister’s Questions to demand answers on the future of Haslemere Hospital and healthcare in Bordon - services that matter deeply to our towns and villages, but which continue to face uncertainty. I’ve also pushed Ministers on the importance of earlier intervention in youth justice and raised concerns over cuts to dementia support, drawing attention to the invaluable work of centres like The Hunter Centre in Haslemere.
Access matters too. Whether it’s financial services or frontline support, no one should be left behind simply because they live in a rural area. In Farnham, where bank closures have left residents with just one remaining branch, the Government must make good on its promises and ensure that communities are not left without the services they rely on.
But representing you doesn’t just happen in the chamber. This week I’ve been on the doorstep in Bordon, listening to residents in St Lucia Park, speaking at Greatham’s Parish Meeting, and celebrating with the Haslemere Rotary Club as they marked 90 years of service. I also joined a business breakfast at Hindhead Golf Club, where the focus was firmly on how we grow prosperity and back local enterprise.
From community halls to committee rooms, my priority remains the same: making sure your concerns are raised in the right rooms and followed through properly. If there’s something you’d like to discuss - whether it’s a policy matter or a local issue - please don’t hesitate to get in touch via [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
PM MUST ACT TO IMPROVE LOCAL HEALTHCARE
At Prime Minister’s Questions this week, I challenged Keir Starmer directly on the decline of local healthcare and the Government’s failure to address the future of both Haslemere Hospital and healthcare in Bordon.
In Haslemere, in-patient services have been abruptly paused following the withdrawal of a local GP. In Bordon, residents are still waiting for clear answers about the long-promised Health Hub, while uncertainty continues to hang over Chase Hospital. These are not isolated issues. They are symptoms of a wider failure to engage, as ministers focus instead on the abolition of NHS England and promote so-called record funding that has been eroded by inflation and rising employment taxes.
I wrote to the Health Secretary more than four months ago, but I have had no meaningful response. In Parliament, the Prime Minister sidestepped the question entirely, offering only broad comments about national backlogs. He said nothing concrete for the thousands of people here who rely on these services.
This simply is not good enough. I am proud to work alongside local campaigners, councils and healthcare professionals to maintain the pressure. Through the Bordon Taskforce and direct engagement with NHS leaders, I will continue to fight for proper accountability and healthcare services that meet the needs of our communities.
We deserve better, and I will not stop pushing until we get it.
EARLY INTERVENTION WOULD CUT CRIME
Far too often, early signs of offending behaviour in young people are missed. By the time action is taken, it is already too late. This is something I hear time and again from parents, teachers and youth workers across the constituency, particularly in rural areas like ours where services are stretched and access to support can be inconsistent.
In Justice Questions this week, I raised this directly with Ministers, pressing the case for better early intervention and stronger backing for local schemes that work. I highlighted the Haslemere Youth Hub as a strong example of what can be achieved when communities come together to give young people the right support at the right time.
The Government pointed to national programmes such as the Turnaround scheme, which I welcome. But what we need now is a serious commitment to scaling up and supporting local, community-driven approaches. I will keep pressing for that - both in Westminster and here at home.
FARNHAM AND LIPHOOK NEED A SOLUTION TO BANKING
I raised Farnham’s banking situation in Parliament again this week ahead of Santander’s closure in July, which will leave Nationwide as the only remaining bank branch in the entire constituency.
While Haslemere and Bordon have secured Banking Hubs, Farnham and Liphook are being left behind. For residents who rely on in-person banking - whether older people, small business owners, or those without reliable digital access - this is not merely inconvenient; it is deeply disruptive.
After receiving a dismissive response from the Treasury, I pressed the Minister directly to work with LINK and take immediate steps to establish a Banking Hub in Farnham. We cannot afford a repeat of what happened in Bordon, where residents waited years for a solution.
This is not just about Farnham. It is about making sure that no part of our community and no local village is left without the basic services people and businesses need to live and work with confidence.
DEMENTIA CARE MUST BE SUPPORTED
In a debate on dementia care, I spoke about two issues that matter deeply to families across our community: the need for proper funding and the value of strong local initiatives.
I raised the alarm over reports that Integrated Care Boards could see their dementia care funding cut by as much as 50 per cent. For those living with dementia, this would mean fewer services, longer waits, and even greater pressure on families who are already doing everything they can to cope. It is a cut we simply cannot afford.
I also shared the story of the Hunter Centre in Haslemere, a brilliant local dementia support centre that was saved from closure in 2017 thanks to the tireless efforts of Anne Downing and others in the community. It is now thriving, and I am proud to support it as a patron.
We need more of these community-led successes, but they must be backed by a national commitment to care, not undermined by short-term savings that cause long-term harm.
UNDERSHAW SCHOOL COMES TO WESTMINSTER
On Tuesday, I welcomed students from Undershaw School in Hindhead to Parliament’s Education Centre, where I spoke about my role as their MP and took part in a lively question-and-answer session.
The students came prepared with thoughtful and wide-ranging questions, which made for an energetic and engaging discussion.
Undershaw is a specialist school doing exceptional work to support young people with additional needs. It is also just around the corner from my constituency office in Hindhead, so it is always a particular pleasure to see them - whether in Westminster or back home.
Visits like this help bring Parliament to life and show that politics should be accessible to everyone. I hope to welcome more schools from across the constituency in the months ahead.
THE FIRST 1000 DAYS OF LIFE
This week, the Health and Social Care Committee continued its inquiry into the first 1,000 days of life, with a particular focus on the Family Hubs model of early years support.
We heard evidence from experts including Barnardo’s, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Hull City Council. Discussions covered access to services, workforce capacity and whether the current funding system - including the recent £22 million Government allocation - is adequate to meet national demand.
Members also examined how effectively Family Hubs are reaching families in different communities, and how this model compares with the earlier Sure Start programme in terms of outcomes and long-term impact.
With the Spending Review expected next week, this work will help shape recommendations on how early years support can be strengthened nationwide. Families deserve services that are easy to access, properly funded and designed to help every child thrive.
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
By following each link you will be able to see the recent answers I have received from the Government.
Written Answers - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (21 May 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52818 on Slaughterhouses: Closures, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of access to slaughter facilities for livestock producers in Farnham and Bordon constituency.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (22 May 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase the provision of dentistry services in Farnham and Bordon constituency.
Written Answers - Department for Education (28 April 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for (a) parents and (b) schools in understanding the legal routes to raise concerns about people who pose a potential safeguarding risk.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
HASLEMERE ROTARIANS CELEBRATE 90 YEARS
The Haslemere Rotary Club celebrated its ninetieth anniversary on Saturday in the gardens of the Haslemere Educational Museum.
The Club has long been a fixture of community life, playing a central role in events such as the Classic Car Show and VE Day celebrations on Lion Green. It was a pleasure to join them for this special occasion and pay tribute to their continued contribution to local life.
The Club is always keen to welcome new members who want to support the community. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Secretary on 01428 653422.
GREATHAM’S ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
On Saturday evening, Greatham residents gathered in the Village Hall for their annual meeting, hosted by the Parish Council.
I was pleased to attend and share some of the work I have been doing on behalf of the village and the wider area. As the only residential part of the constituency located entirely within the South Downs National Park, Greatham holds a special place. I took the opportunity to reaffirm my strong support for protecting the natural beauty we are fortunate to enjoy.
ON THE DOORSTEP IN ST LUCIA PARK, BORDON
Each month, I set aside times to knock on doors and speak directly with residents. Last weekend, I was in Bordon visiting homes on the St Lucia Park estate.
These conversations are always valuable - not only for picking up local concerns, but also for hearing from people who might not otherwise reach out. It is also a chance to follow up in person with those I have already spoken to by phone, email or online.
If I missed you, or if you live in another part of the constituency and would like support with an issue, please do get in touch.
CHAMPIONING LOCAL BUSINESS AT HINDHEAD GOLF CLUB
I had the pleasure of joining residents from across the constituency for a business breakfast at Hindhead Golf Club. As we near the one-year mark since the general election, it was a good opportunity to reflect on my work in Parliament so far and to share some of the insights and lessons from the past year.
A key focus of the morning was how we support local businesses and ensure sustainable economic growth - both here and across the country. We also had a detailed discussion about my role as a Government Whip, a position that is often mentioned but less well understood outside Westminster. It was a great opportunity to explain how the role fits into the day-to-day workings of Parliament.
If you would like to know more about the work of Whips or about support for local businesses, please do get in touch.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week, I have continued to support residents across a wide range of issues.
I helped resolve a case in which a child had been wrongly denied a Blue Badge, made enquiries with Surrey County Council about electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and followed up with Companies House about unsolicited mail sent to a constituent.
I have also responded to concerns about adult social care, environmental protections, and legislation raised by residents. Where appropriate, I have signposted people to their local councillors, particularly on parking issues that are best handled at county level.
