52nd Weekly Newsletter
It’s been a significant week in Westminster, with big debates about how we deliver for communities across the country - as well as on the future of personal privacy with mandatory Digital ID. Here at home, I’ve been focused on driving progress on regeneration, supporting local clubs, and making sure our public services are equipped to deliver for everyone.
Greg
KEMI VISITS FARNHAM
When I talk to any business in our community about how the Government can better support them, they say one thing: business rates. That’s why I was delighted to host the Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, in Farnham today to talk to our very own business owners about our new policy to abolish business rates for leisure, hospitality and retail all together.
Alongside Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the Leader of the Conservative Group on Waverley Council, we discussed our Party’s fully-funded plan for Government, from policing and immigration to business support and housing.
It was excellent to fly the flag for Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and our beautiful villages with national media present. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to us on the street - it was great to see so many familiar faces!
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Smartphone Free Childhood: 6th Nov in Bordon
Access to the internet and social media is easy for everyone - including children. But this has come with a huge impact on their general wellbeing and mental health. I’m hosting a panel event soon for those who believe childhood should be smartphone free.
Embarrassing for Britain
As the scandal around Labour’s handling of the Chinese espionage case continues, I sought clear answers over what exactly the Home Secretary did - or didn’t do - before the case collapsed. The Minister could not even give a yes or a no answer.
Local clubs leading the way
Grayshott Cricket Club and Sports Haslemere are both doing fantastic work to grow grassroots sport, with new women’s and girls’ cricket and major investment in local facilities. Both clubs are ambitious about the future but clear that long-term support is key to keeping that momentum going.
New home for Brightwells Gostrey
I was delighted to join Brightwells Gostrey Centre for their Community Day at Brambleton Hall, celebrating their move and growing partnerships. As patron, I’m proud to support their vital work helping older residents through Meals on Wheels, wellbeing activities, and social connection.
Closing dangerous loopholes
I pushed for crucial changes to the Mental Health Bill to stop anyone exploiting legal grey areas that could let strangers override parents in decisions about vulnerable children’s care. This would protect families and ensure that only parents, not opportunists, can speak for their child.
RESIDENTS REJECT DIGITAL ID PLANS
Hundreds of local residents have told me in a survey they want no part in the Government’s digital ID plan - and I agree with them. More than two-thirds opposed the idea outright, with most saying they were strongly against it. People see the dangers: the loss of privacy, the cost, and the creeping sense of Government overreach dressed up as ‘modernisation’.
That’s why I spoke out against the proposal in Parliament. This isn’t about resisting change; it’s about protecting freedom and trust. The policy wasn’t in the manifesto, it lacks evidence, and has no consent - and no place to be forced through. The message from our community is clear: digital ID is the wrong answer to the wrong problem.
MOUNTING PRESSURE ON REGENERATION IN BORDON
I brought local leaders together again this week for the latest Bordon Taskforce - and made it clear that talk alone won’t deliver results. We’ve seen good progress with the new Sainsbury’s, East Hampshire District Council’s Leisure Centre extension and the Youth Hub, but too many big promises from developers are still stuck in the slow lane.
Transport and healthcare remain the sticking points. Bordon still lacks proper rail connections, and the long-promised Health Hub continues to be tangled in NHS red tape. I’ve told officials that enough is enough - as talks continue, I’m writing to the Government urge them to cut through the bureaucracy and back our town with real investment. Labour didn’t include Bordon in its flagship ‘Pride in Place’ development scheme, and if movement isn’t seen soon, I’ll be calling for stronger intervention to get things moving.
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
It’s been another busy week tackling a wide range of local casework - everything from visa delays and housing repairs to SEND support, speeding traffic and passport renewals. The variety of issues says a lot about the challenges people are facing day to day, and I’m continuing to press councils, Government departments and agencies to cut through the red tape and deliver the answers residents deserve.
