Dear Constituent,
BREAKING: The Assisted Dying [End of Life] Bill has today passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons by a narrow majority of just 23 votes. I voted against the Bill due to the serious lack of safeguards. Many of you have shared the same concerns with me, and respected bodies such as the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have also warned that the Bill is flawed. It will now proceed to the House of Lords, where I urge peers to scrutinise it thoroughly and strengthen the protections needed to prevent abuse and coercion. More details next week.
The real test of good policymaking is whether it makes a difference in people’s day-to-day lives - and that’s been at the heart of much of my work this week. From votes on health and social care to education, mobile coverage and transport links, I’ve been focused on how national decisions translate into local outcomes.
In Parliament, I raised questions on housing, apprenticeships and support for British nationals caught up in the crisis in the Middle East. I also took part in a Health and Social Care Committee session on maternal health, looking at what’s needed to improve care and close long-standing gaps in outcomes.
In the constituency, I’ve been working with local councils, transport providers and the NHS on proposals for a new service to connect patients to Frimley Park Hospital. I’ve also followed up with broadband and mobile providers based on feedback from my recent survey, and attended a number of community events - including Scouts’ Bazzaz 2025, marking National Beer Day at the Borough Beer House, and the Churt Village Fete.
You can find more detail on all of this below. As ever, thank you for reading - and for continuing to share your views and experiences with me via [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
RAISING ENDOMETRIOSIS IN PARLIAMENT
This week in Parliament, I asked the Government what steps it is taking to ensure that community diagnostic centres - introduced by the previous Conservative Government - are being used effectively to support the delivery of the women’s health strategy.
Diagnosing conditions such as endometriosis can be slow and distressing for patients, often taking years from the first presentation of symptoms to formal diagnosis. Community diagnostic centres have the potential to change that by shifting care out of hospitals, shortening waiting times, and making earlier intervention possible. But to succeed, these centres must be fully integrated into local service planning and tailored to reflect the needs of women and girls.
It is welcome that women’s health is now receiving greater focus nationally, including through the rollout of women’s health hubs across nearly every integrated care system. That momentum must be maintained - and translated into practical improvements in access, diagnosis and care across the country.
GOVERNMENT’S STATEMENT ON ISRAEL
The escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel is deeply concerning - not only for the wider region but also for people here at home who are directly affected. I’ve been contacted by several constituents currently in the region who are unable to leave due to the security situation, and I want to assure them that I am doing everything I can to support them.
On Monday, I was in the Chamber for the Foreign Secretary’s statement, in which he confirmed that the UK is engaging with regional partners and closely monitoring the implications of Israel’s recent strikes following concerns raised by the IAEA. I have since written to the Foreign Secretary to press for clarity and practical support for British nationals abroad.
I remain in frequent contact with affected constituents and will continue to do all I can to assist until they are safely home.
COMMITTEE FOCUS ON BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH
On Wednesday, the Health and Social Care Committee held a further evidence session on Black maternal health. This is an issue that continues to raise serious concerns across the health system, with Black women in the UK significantly more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
This week’s session built on evidence we heard in May from campaigners and clinicians, who highlighted unacceptable disparities in outcomes, a lack of culturally competent care, and systemic barriers to Black women being listened to when raising concerns.
In our latest meeting, we questioned experts from the Royal Colleges of Midwives and Obstetricians, as well as senior officials from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care - including the Minister for Women’s Health. Topics included the impact of training for healthcare staff, why clinical outcomes for Black women have not improved more quickly, and what steps are being taken to recruit more midwives and improve diversity in the workforce.
This work is ongoing, and I will continue to press for action that leads to safer, more equitable maternity care for all women - regardless of background.
HOSPITAL HOPPA WITH FRIMLEY PARK
Over recent weeks I’ve been working closely with Hoppa Community Transport on proposals for a new Hospital Hoppa service to connect Farnham residents with Frimley Park Hospital — addressing a long-standing gap in local patient transport.
Following discussions with the Leaders of both Farnham Town and Waverley Borough Councils, I brought together Hoppa and Frimley Health Trust for a meeting this week to explore how the service can be delivered and supported long term.
The pilot is due to launch in July, offering a flexible, door-to-door service for patients in and around Farnham. With early support already pledged by local partners, we are now focused on securing sustainable funding and exploring how the service might also assist NHS staff travel between sites.
This is a strong example of local collaboration in action, and I’ll continue to support the project as it moves ahead.
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 - HM Treasury (10 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of historical mortgage tax relief schemes in supporting access to home ownership.
Written Answers - Ministry of Justice (9 June 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of converting decommissioned prison facilities to (a) schools, (b) hospitals, (c) housing and (d) other public uses.
Written Answers - Department for Education (3 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of withdrawing funding for level 7 apprenticeships for people aged 22 and over on workforce planning in critical public services.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BROADBAND SURVEY UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete my recent survey on broadband and mobile coverage. Your responses have helped shape the conversations I’ve been having with providers - and I’m pleased to share some early progress.
Openreach has confirmed that more areas in our constituency are now expected to be connected, either commercially or through Project Gigabit. In Hampshire, CityFibre is currently drawing up its rollout plans, and I’ve been raising communities that are still being left behind to ensure they’re firmly on the radar.
On mobile coverage, I’ve held follow-up meetings with Vodafone, O2 and EE to press for improvements based on what you told me. There’s clear local support for stronger signal and, in some areas, new masts. With the VodafoneThree merger now progressing, there’s a real opportunity to expand the network - something I’ll continue pushing for with both operators and landowners.
I’ve recorded a short video with a full update, and you can view the results, maps and coverage breakdown at the link below.
NATIONAL BEER DAY AT THE BOROUGH BEER HOUSE
Sunday was National Beer Day - held each year on 15 June to mark the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, one of the first official documents to acknowledge the importance of ale in English life. I marked the occasion with a visit to Farnham’s Borough Beer House, which was recently awarded the Historic England CAMRA prize for best ‘Conversion to Pub Use’.
It was a fitting place to raise a glass - and with Father’s Day falling on the same day, many were doing just that. The Borough is a great example of how independent businesses can breathe new life into our high streets while creating welcoming spaces for the community.
SCOUTS BAZZAZ 2025
On Saturday, I visited Bazzaz 2025 — Surrey Scouts’ flagship activity day for Beavers and Rainbows - held this year at Merrist Wood College near Guildford. It was fantastic to see 165 young people and leaders from Farnham and Haslemere taking part.
With everything from go-karts and climbing walls to crafts and caving mazes, the day was bursting with energy, creativity and teamwork. A big thank you to all the volunteers and leaders who made it possible - and to the Beavers and Rainbows for the warm welcome.
CHURT VILLAGE FETE
Churt held its annual Village Fete on the weekend - a showcase of local pride and community spirit. I enjoyed speaking with some of the stallholders, including Frensham Market Farm, the Women’s Institute, the local Scouts, and many more who help make events like this such a success.
A particular highlight was presenting the Freedom of the Parish award to two outstanding residents, Maxine Knight and Hugh Trotter. Their long-standing dedication to the village has made a real difference, and it was a privilege to help recognise their service in this way.
Events like these are a reminder of what makes our communities so special - and why it’s so important to keep supporting them.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week’s casework has covered a wide range of issues - from time-sensitive visa applications and Universal Credit delays to parking fines and permit concerns. I’ve contacted HMRC on behalf of a constituent regarding access to tax-free childcare, and have also written to Waverley Borough Council to raise concerns about a local housing case.
As mentioned above, I’ve remained in regular contact with constituents currently stranded in Tel Aviv, including one with his son. I continue to press the Government to do all it can to support British nationals still in the region. If you or someone you know is affected, I strongly encourage you to register with the UK Government and sign up for updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
