Dear Constituent,
This past week has brought together a mix of national scrutiny and local action - from challenging ministers on NHS Dentistry and hospitality job losses, to working through casework on everything from inherited pensions to public transport links. As ever, it’s the diversity of concerns that reminds me just how broad the role of an MP really is.
In Westminster, I’ve continued to press for proper reform in key areas: speaking up for our pubs, cafés and hotels in the face of stark job losses; following up on the rollout of new dental schemes; and contributing to national discussions on SEND reform and safeguarding. I’ve also raised questions on trade, food access and business rates - all of which affect people here in Farnham and Bordon.
Closer to home, it’s been a privilege to join local events like the Hale Carnival, the Lindford Village Fete and the 90th Bourne Show - all brilliant reminders of the community spirit that defines our towns and villages. Alongside that, I’ve been handling casework on housing, anti-social behaviour, adult social care, road issues and more, including the worsening situation with the hedge on Lion Lane, which I’ve raised again with Surrey County Council.
Whether in Parliament or on the ground, my focus remains the same: making sure your voice is heard and acted upon. Thank you to everyone who’s written in, stopped for a chat at a stall, or shared feedback over the past week
As always, if there’s something I can help with - or if you’d like to book a surgery appointment, either in person or by phone - please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
HOSPITALITY UNDER PRESSURE
I met with the Chair of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls OBE, to discuss the growing pressure on the hospitality sector - both nationally and here in our community.
The figures are stark. Across the UK, hospitality has shed 69,000 jobs this year, compared to an 18,000 job increase just last year. I raised this issue again in Parliament last week, urging the Government to take seriously the scale of the challenge facing our pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes.
Hospitality isn’t just about having a good pub to go to either - the contribution to the local economy in Farnham and Bordon is huge. In our area, the sector employs 3,408 people, with a total turnover of £182 million, and economic value generated locally of £90.6m. All in, with restaurants, pubs, cafés and stalls, we have a total of 168 establishments.
These numbers should be a wake-up call. Our hospitality businesses are vital for local jobs, community life and the wider economy. They deserve targeted support - and I will keep pressing Ministers until they get it.
CONTINUED ACTION ON LOCAL V.A.W.G. ISSUES
Since being elected, I’ve been pushing for stronger action to tackle violence against women and girls. This is not an issue that can be solved with warm words - it demands consistent pressure, coordinated action and support for those affected. It’s one of the reasons I am so proud of the Conservatives’ success on securing a national inquiry on the grooming gangs scandal.
I’ve been engaging directly with the Police and Crime Commissioners for both Surrey and Hampshire to understand what’s being done on the ground and where the gaps are. I’ve also been supporting constituents affected by these crimes, including a particularly severe case I raised again with the Justice Secretary on Tuesday. I previously secured a meeting on the matter, and I’ve now requested a further one to ensure it isn’t allowed to drift.
The voices of survivors must be heard - and they must be matched with real action.
ROUNDTABLE ON NATIONAL SEND REFORM
I attended a cross-party roundtable focused on reforming the system for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The session brought together MPs, education leaders and sector experts to discuss how to build a more inclusive and sustainable future - one that works better for families and local authorities alike.
I raised specific concerns I’ve heard directly from constituents about the pressure reforms may place on independent special and private schools, which play a vital role in meeting individual needs when mainstream settings fall short. I’ll keep engaging constructively with the Government and campaigners to ensure that reforms don’t unintentionally undermine the tailored provision many families rely on.
FOLLOWING UP ON NHS DENTISTRY AT COMMITEE
I took part in an important session of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, questioning senior NHS and Government figures - including the Minister for Care - on the state of NHS dentistry. It’s clear that urgent reform is needed. Patients across the country are struggling to access care, and here in our community, the picture is no different. We need a contract that prioritises prevention, restores funding and ends the postcode lottery of care.
I pressed the Minister on the rollout of the promised 700,000 extra appointments and the new supervised tooth-brushing scheme for young children in deprived areas. I asked what action would be taken if local health authorities fail to deliver - and when constituents can expect to see these changes in practice. It’s vital that these headline commitments aren’t just good intentions, but are followed through with real delivery on the ground.
I’ll continue to use my role on the Committee to push for proper reform - including when the Secretary of State joins us next week to give evidence on the NHS 10-Year Plan.
MAKING TRANSPORT WORK FOR COMMUNITIES
Too often, transport policy is made from the centre without enough input from the places it’s meant to serve. That’s why Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) matter. This week I attended a parliamentary reception celebrating their work - bringing together local voices, volunteers and transport experts to improve rail access and integration.
In our patch, I’ve been working with the Hampshire CRP on options to strengthen connections for Whitehill and Bordon, particularly the bus link to Liphook station. Local insights like these are essential if we want transport that’s not just efficient on paper, but genuinely works for people’s daily lives.
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 Business and Trade (7 Jul 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to include measures to help protect steelmakers from subsidised steel imports from (a) China and (b) the wider Far East in the forthcoming trade strategy.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (1 Jul 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to take steps to improve access to minimally-processed foods for (a) all consumers and (b) children and young people.
Written Answers - HM Treasury (1 Jul 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the cumulative impact of changes to (a) business rates and (b) employer National Insurance contributions on the financial viability of (i) pubs and (ii) breweries.
Visit Parliament’s Written Answers website for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
BACKING FARNHAM BUSINESSES
With the next phase of improvement works about to begin in Farnham town centre, I’ve taken action to press for proper support for the businesses that will be most affected.
The long-term aims of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme are welcome - but we can’t ignore the reality that months of disruption lie ahead for high street businesses, particularly in areas like Downing Street and The Borough. Many are small, independent traders that have only just found stable ground after the pandemic. Now they’re being hit again: by higher costs, tighter margins, and local decisions that make things harder still.
I’ve written to Waverley Borough Council, who have the clear legal power to provide temporary business rates relief for businesses affected by disruption. That decision lies entirely with them. I’ve urged them to act now - and to reverse the increase in parking charges they brought in earlier this year, despite knowing full well the impact the works would have on local footfall.
Alongside that, I’ve also contacted the Government’s Valuation Office Agency (VOA). While the VOA cannot grant relief directly, they can consider whether a temporary reduction in rateable value is justified in the worst-affected streets. I will use my position to ensure every lever is pulled, and that small businesses aren’t left carrying the cost alone.
This is the moment for Waverley to show it can be ambitious for Farnham’s future while still standing up for the businesses that keep the town centre alive. I’ll keep pushing for exactly that.
Click here to read more on my website
CARNIVAL DAY IN HALE
I had the great pleasure of judging this year’s Hale Carnival procession alongside Farnham North Councillor Catherine Powell and Farnham’s Town Crier, Michael Stephens. With entries ranging from nursery groups and schoolchildren to community clubs and classic vehicles, it wasn’t easy picking winners - the creativity and effort on display were outstanding.
A huge thank you to Amanda Sergison-Main, Chair of the Hale Carnival Committee, and all the volunteers who made the day run so smoothly. And of course, thank you to everyone who took part for making it such a joyful and vibrant event.
NEW EXHIBITION IN FARNHAM
Susie Lidstone’s latest exhibition, Farnham Places and Hidden Spaces, offers a strikingly detailed view of the town - not just its well-known streets and buildings, but the quieter, often unnoticed corners that define its character. Her work brings out the texture of Farnham with care and precision, built on a long-standing familiarity with the town she knows so well.
At the New Ashgate Gallery, I had the chance to explore the exhibition and speak with its director, Outi Remes, about the gallery’s wider work in supporting local artists. Spaces like this play an important role in Farnham’s cultural life, and it’s encouraging to see such thoughtful, local work at the heart of it.
Click here to view Susie’s work
FETE FUN AT LINDFORD
Plenty of sunshine, stalls, and good conversation at this year’s Lindford Village Fete. It was a lively afternoon with a strong turnout from residents and parish councillors alike.
These local events are always a good chance to catch up and hear what’s on people’s minds, from local issues to national debates, and everything in between.
Special mention to Cllr Andy Tree for his performance as the village goose - a role he embraced with great enthusiasm.
BIG BASH AT THE BOURNE
On Saturday I dropped by this year’s Bourne Show, a celebration of local life now in its 90th year. With over 80 stalls, a classic car show, performances, and the ever-popular produce and craft competitions, it’s clear why this is such a highlight of the summer in Farnham.
I was glad to see so many familiar faces and to meet some of the hardworking stallholders with businesses based across our area. My thanks to Chairman Roger Goscomb and all those who helped make the show another great success.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK BREAKDOWN
This week has brought a wide range of casework to my desk. I’ve been pleased to help deliver positive outcomes for constituents on matters including inherited State Pensions and the Grant of Probate. I’ve also provided clarification and support on a number of complex issues, such as coroner’s reports, Ombudsman complaints, road resurfacing and tree maintenance.
As briefly mentioned in last week’s edition, the overgrown hedge on Lion Lane has become an increasing concern. I’m very grateful to residents for keeping me informed and sharing videos that show just how difficult the pavement has become to navigate, particularly for children and older residents. I’ve made further urgent representations to Surrey County Council and am pushing for this to be resolved without further delay.
Elsewhere, I’ve made enquiries with Government departments and local authorities on a wide range of issues raised by residents - from SEND provision, housing and Council Tax to safeguarding, anti-social behaviour, assisted living, buses and road closures.
If you’re experiencing difficulties with a service or decision, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
