Dear Constituent,
This week has seen a lot of activity both in Parliament and across our constituency, with a clear focus on the issues that matter most to local people.
At the centre of my work is making sure your voice is heard and that national decisions reflect the reality on the ground. I was pleased to support the League of Friends of Haslemere Hospital at their summer fundraiser, celebrating the vital support this group provides to our local health services. I also enjoyed meeting many of you at community events like the Liphook Carnival Fun Day and the Frensham Fayre - occasions that highlight the strength and spirit of our community.
In Parliament, I voted on the Assisted Dying Bill and scrutinised key amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which raised important ethical and legal questions. I also challenged Ministers on the Government’s White Paper on child poverty, stressing the need for urgent action to support families here.
My work continues as Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and as a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee. This week, I met with the NHS Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust and local SEND teams to discuss how we can reduce waiting times and improve access to vital assessments and support. These conversations ensure that the challenges families face are heard at the highest levels.
Below you’ll find more details on these topics. Thank you as ever for sharing your views with me at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
ASSISTED DYING [END OF LIFE] BILL
Thank you to all those who have written to me about this Bill over recent months. Your views have remained at the forefront of my mind throughout its progress in Parliament.
From the beginning, leading medical bodies - including the Royal College of Physicians - raised serious concerns about the Bill’s failure to provide clear, enforceable safeguards. The removal of judicial oversight, vague “expert panels,” and no guarantee that palliative care will always be offered first leave too much room for risk and abuse.
I voted against the Bill but despite widespread unease in Parliament, it narrowly passed its Third Reading by just 23 votes and now moves to the House of Lords.
During Report Stage, I spoke about the real and often subtle risk of coercion faced by vulnerable people - not just overt pressure, but internalised fear of being a burden. I supported amendments to strengthen protections, including a ban on raising assisted dying with under-18s.
It is not enough for a Bill to claim it has safeguards - they must be statutory, robust, and enforceable. This Bill does not meet that test. Until we have a properly funded, universally available system of end-of-life care, we must not open the door to one that is poorly regulated.
I hope Peers in the Lords will now give this Bill the scrutiny it did not receive in the Commons and push for much stronger protections.
CHINA: COMPETITOR OR ENEMY?
This week, the Foreign Secretary announced the China Audit, a long-overdue assessment of our approach to China. While I welcome the commitment to increased funding for intelligence sharing and the recognition of the serious security challenges China poses, I was disappointed - though not surprised - by how heavily the narrative leaned towards preserving China as a key trade partner at almost any cost.
We cannot keep burying our heads in the sand. The UK’s over-reliance on China for trade and critical supply chains is not just economically short-sighted - it’s strategically dangerous. We should be using our trade policy as leverage to demand a more balanced, ethical and reciprocal relationship. That means standing up for human rights, protecting British industries, and ensuring our national interests aren't undermined by appeasement or dependency.
THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS POVERTY INCREASES
The Government’s own impact assessment of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has revealed that up to 50,000 children risk being pushed deeper into poverty as a direct result of proposed changes. This stark figure highlights a dangerous contradiction in the Government’s approach.
Meanwhile, businesses are already cutting job vacancies in response to the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, creating a hostile environment for employment growth at a time when families need security and opportunities most.
It raises a critical question: does the Secretary of State genuinely believe that the Government’s child poverty taskforce is aligned with the rest of Whitehall, or even their own party policies.
I pushed the Minister for clarity.
HEALTH COMMITTEE FOCUS ON AUTISM AND ADHD
This week, the Health and Social Care Committee heard from expert panels including the Chair of the independent ADHD Taskforce and the CEOs of ADHD UK and Ambitious About Autism. We explored the growing pressures on autism and ADHD services, and whether the Government and NHS England truly grasp the scale of demand.
I asked witnesses what immediate steps could reduce delays, and how best to support those waiting. We also examined the role of private providers, the strain on SEND services, and whether concerns about overdiagnosis reflect unmet need or a lack of early support.
Across Surrey and Hampshire, families regularly tell me they are struggling to access assessments and help. The Government has recognised the issues, but it must now get a grip. We urgently need a national plan to increase capacity, improve early intervention, and strengthen collaboration with education and health providers.
This session was a vital opportunity to press for practical action - and to ensure families are no longer left waiting without answers or support.
LEADING CALL FOR ACTION ON INCONTINENCE
Last week in Parliament, during Continence Week, I was pleased to lead the debate on behalf of His Majesty’s Opposition. MPs from across the House came together to highlight a long-overlooked public health issue: incontinence.
With over 14 million people affected across the UK, speakers emphasised that incontinence is a serious medical condition and not a personal failing. There was a strong call for urgent action to tackle stigma, improve care, and end the postcode lottery in access to services.
Incontinence affects people at every stage of life, from new mothers and children to older adults. Yet many continue to suffer in silence due to shame or a lack of support. While the Government’s 2018 Excellence in Continence Care guidance was welcomed, MPs urged that this must now be followed by a refreshed action plan, with proper funding and measurable outcomes.
The debate also called for improved access to continence nurses, better specialist services, investment in research, and the expansion of women’s health hubs. Support for men’s continence care must also be strengthened. There was clear cross-party agreement. Incontinence must be recognised as a priority within our health system. It can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
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 (24 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has considered public ownership as a potential outcome under the special administration regime in circumstances where a regulated water company is found to be in material breach of its statutory obligations.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (19 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of capping the cost of care homes.
Written Answers - Treasury (18 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.
Search for speaker: Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
ENJOYING LIPHOOK’S COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Last Saturday, I enjoyed the Liphook Carnival Fun Day on Millennium Green. It was great to meet local teams from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue and The MAD Company Liphook, and to have a go at the balloon popping stall.
The weather held up, and the atmosphere was brilliant. Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success - a real celebration of community spirit.
INAPPROPRIATE PLANNING IN FARNHAM
With neighbouring MPs Jeremy Hunt for Godalming and Ash and Alex Baker for Aldershot, I have written to the Head of Planning at Guildford Borough Council to formally object to planning application 23/P/01831. This proposal would allow a McDonald’s drive-thru to be built right next to Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve on the border of our constituencies.
Tice’s Meadow is a treasured wildlife area, transformed from a former quarry into one of the best inland birdwatching sites in southeast England. Surrey County Council rightly praises it as a beautiful and important natural habitat.
The existing fuel station nearby was permitted before the reserve was established, but this new fast-food development risks serious harm. The site is designated countryside in the Guildford Borough Council Local Plan, and we are concerned about increased litter, loss of biodiversity, visual impact, and light and air pollution.
There are already two drive-thru restaurants within a mile, so this development is unnecessary and unsustainable.
We urge the Head of Planning at Waverley and Guildford Borough Council, Claire Upton-Brown to reject this application to protect our local environment and wildlife for current and future generations.
FUNDRAISING FUN FOR HASLEMERE HOSPITAL
Last Saturday, I spent a wonderful afternoon at the Solstice of Shenanigans Summer Party at The Prince of Wales in Hammer Lane. It was a fantastic way to celebrate Midsummer while raising funds for Haslemere Hospital, organised by the dedicated League of Friends of Haslemere Hospital.
Many thanks to Nathan and Fiona Tough for putting together such a fun, community-focused event, and to landlords Nick and Becky for kindly hosting.
Please see following link to donate if you wish to do so: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/toughevents/1712065
FRENSHAM FAYRE HIGHLIGHTS
I also attended the Frensham Fayre - a wonderful celebration of community spirit in a beautiful setting. I spoke with members of Frensham Parish Council about plans for the new playground and with the River Wey Trust about efforts to tackle river pollution.
I also had the pleasure of chatting with the local Girlguiding group and Headmasters of Edgeborough and More House schools, and enjoyed impressive musical performances by More House students - a true highlight of the day.
NHS SURREY AND BORDERS TRUST PARTNERSHIP
This week, I held an introductory meeting with Graham to discuss challenges faced by the Trust, especially efforts to improve waiting times for neurodiverse assessments through collaboration with schools and GPs.
As Vice Chair of the APPG for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and a member of the Health and Social Care Committee, I regularly engage with families affected by health and support systems. This week’s committee session focused on the rising demand for autism and ADHD assessments, and the Trust raised important concerns about current capacity and decision-making oversight.
I will ensure Graham’s views are reflected in discussions with Ministers and my colleagues on the Shadow Health team.
LISTENING LOCALLY - WORKING NATIONALLY
Your concerns and successes are central to my work in Parliament. That is why, each week, I make time to attend local events, visit schools, care homes, and businesses, and meet as many constituents as possible across our beautiful part of the country.
Between community fayres and local fundraisers, I recently stopped by the for coffee with local people at St Peter’s Church to listen to residents' views following a week of significant legislation, including debates on abortion and assisted dying.
I read every email and letter I receive, and I truly value hearing directly from you. Please do keep getting in touch and sharing the local issues that matter most. Your voice helps shape the work I do in Westminster.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week’s casework has involved a range of issues including driving licence delays, adult social care assistance, and new build drainage problems. I am supporting a constituent facing a Section 21 notice to help find suitable alternative accommodation. I am also working closely with South Western Railway regarding recent service disruptions on the vital London-Haslemere route.
I have written to Hampshire County Council on behalf of a constituent whose child is not receiving the specialist support outlined in their EHCP.
At my recent in-person surgery in Bordon, I discussed landfill tax reform, health and social care, inheritance tax, and concerns about Council Tax increases linked to Local Government Reorganisation. I also heard ideas about projects to help regenerate Whitehill and Bordon.
I hold regular surgeries - both in person and by telephone - so please contact me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting.
