50th Weekly Newsletter
I’m just wrapping up some filming at the BBC Studios in Southampton after what’s been a big week for politics - both at home and abroad. The Conservative Party has set out a bold package of new policies at Conference, and internationally we’ve seen encouraging progress with a ceasefire now secured between Israel and Hamas.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Hospice Heroes
For Hospice Care Week, I met staff at the new Phyllis Tuckwell site in Farnham and visited the Sue Ryder charity shop to celebrate those who provide exceptional end-of-life care. Our community’s generosity keeps this vital work going, and I’m proud to help shine a light on it.
Talking to pupils at Holme Primary School
At Holme C of E Primary in Headley, I joined assembly and chatted with Year 5 about democracy - they asked some fantastic, thoughtful questions. I also caught up with Headteacher Campbell McArthur about plans to improve the library and the wider pressures around SEND and funding.
Greatham residents share their vision
I met residents in Greatham to learn more about their ideas for a new community hub in the village. The project is being developed locally with a business plan in progress, and it’s encouraging to see people exploring ways to strengthen village life. I’ll continue to follow their progress with interest.
Visiting Oakmoor School in Bordon
I caught up with Headteacher Nigel Wright following the school’s recent expansion and new building. It was great to see the on-site Forest School, which offers a valuable alternative learning space each week for some pupils. We also discussed some exciting ideas for the future - more on that soon.
DOWN AT THE CROWN
The Crown at Arford has won this year’s Best Pub competition, and I visited to present a certificate to Chris, Simon and Anne on behalf of all the volunteers. The pub was packed - a great sign of how much it means to the community.
Once a 17th-century cottage, The Crown became a pub in 1877 and was later saved by residents who turned it into a thriving community-owned success. I was delighted to spot my original letter of congratulations - and even a framed copy of Hansard showing my announcement of their win in Parliament proudly on display.
A huge well done to everyone involved. And if you’d like your local to take the title next year, keep an eye out next summer for when nominations for the 2026 Best Pub competition open!
THE CONSERVATIVES ARE BACK
Conference this year had real momentum - and it’s clear the Conservatives under new leadership are back. Early polling shows strong public backing for our new policies and a renewed sense of purpose across the Party.
Headline announcements included plans to abolish stamp duty on primary residences - a major boost for homebuyers, especially here in Surrey and Hampshire with high house prices - and a commitment to withdraw from the ECHR to restore control over our borders. We’ll also double apprenticeship funding, abolish business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure, and recruit 10,000 extra police officers to cut crime and restore confidence.
I met with the Royal College of Surgeons, Parkinson’s UK and the Carers Trust among others, spoke on several panels on topics like social cohesion and palliative care, and visited companies driving innovation in health and energy.
The message from Manchester was clear: the Conservatives are back - and the country is responding.
Read the full list of policies announced by the Conservatives
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
It has sadly been quite a shocking week with some urgent problems coming across my desk, namely on mental health crises, child safeguarding, fraud, social housing issues, and animal welfare. I am of course doing everything I can to address these issues to see what can be done to assist, as well as raising them in Parliament where helpful.
