49th Weekly Newsletter
As I am sure you know, Jews at prayer were attacked in a barbaric act of violence
in Manchester yesterday, on one of Judaism’s holiest days. It marks a dark moment in our country’s recent history, and a clear sign that antisemitism must not be left unchecked - British Jews must know we stand with them.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Invasive, expensive and wrong
Labour are using compulsory ID as a smokescreen for their failing immigration policy while massively invading personal liberties. I’m firmly against this Orwellian proposal, and I’d like to hear from you so I can tell Government we say “No to Digital ID”.
Have your say via my survey
Catching up with Rev’d David in Farnham
David and I discussed the important role of the church in Farnham, alongside topical national issues such as the Assisted Dying Bill currently before the Lords. These conversations are always valuable for ensuring I reflect a broad range of views in Parliament, and I look forward to joining future events at St Andrew’s.
Invisible Visible exhibition at UCA
I visited local photographer Natalia Sharamova’s exhibition Invisible Visible at the University for the Creative Arts. An active member of our local photography community, her work with the Ukrainian Art Group highlights powerful stories of resilience and identity.
The Waitrose ‘Green Tokens’ are back!
I popped into Waitrose in Farnham to meet Liam and Alice and hear the good news that the green tokens scheme has returned. Each of this month’s three charities - Farnham Community Farm, Space2Grow, and Surrey Wildlife Trust - will receive up to £1,500 thanks to shoppers’ support.
LABOUR: PROUD TO INVEST EVERYWHERE BUT HERE
The Government has announced millions of pounds for town regeneration across the country - but not a penny for our constituency. Neither East Hampshire nor Waverley appears on the latest funding lists, despite the huge regeneration effort under way in Whitehill & Bordon. Locally there are efforts to deliver new homes, services and jobs, yet our community has been left out while other areas are backed.
With the Autumn Budget looming, this decision matters. Business is the backbone of regeneration - from town centres to local services - and it needs real support to keep momentum going. I am deeply concerned that ministers will once again overlook our area. I will keep pressing for Farnham & Bordon to get the investment it deserves, not the empty rhetoric we have seen so far.
Read more and my letter to the Secretary of State
COMMUNITY NEWS
New petition for Waverley homeowners
A new e-petition has been launched calling on the council to improve support for local homeowners over the Community Infrastructure Levy. As it isn’t easy to find on the council’s website, I’m sharing the direct link below so everyone who wishes to can take part.
More than £4,500 raised for the Royal Surrey
Thanks to the generosity of so many supporters, Susannah and I - together with the Royal Surrey Charity team - this funding will make a real difference, with the charity already close to reaching the target for a new surgical table and continuing to support a wide range of vital projects across the hospital.
‘Jetty to Freedom’ at Frensham Pond Sailing Club
The Club has been awarded £15,000 of National Lottery funding to repair their jetty, restoring access for disabled sailors. This is a fantastic boost for a project that opens up the freedom of sailing to more people in our community.
Watch this video to learn more
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
It’s been a heavily procedural week on individual constituents’ issues. One resident had waited far too long without any word on their passport application, so I’ve written to the Home Office to chase progress. A young couple came to me after discovering that a duplicate NI number had been created in error, throwing their HMRC records into disarray. I’m supporting their complaint and have written directly to the Chief Executive to demand answers. Not every story is a frustration, though, as it was good to hear from a constituent who finally received their driving licence after weeks of delay, following my intervention with the DVLA.
