58th Weekly Newsletter
Labour's reorganisation of local government is collapsing. Yesterday it was announced that the Hampshire mayoral election was delayed. Constant U-turns and the inability to stick to any supposed “plan for change” shows why faith in this Government is diminishing every passing week in our area, and I am determined to hold them to account as I promised when I was elected last year. That being said, there has been some positive news in the constituency this week, and I am, like many of you, enjoying the various festive events in the area - it certainly makes it that little bit more special coming home.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Labour cancels democracy… again
The Government made a surprise announcement yesterday that the election for a new Hampshire Mayor has been delayed by two years. I took my concerns to the Devolution Minister about this and I raised questions over whether Surrey will have a Mayor too - though the response was far from useful.
Every drop matters
Water companies must do everything possible to deliver, clean, reliable and affordable water to Farnham and Bordon. I met South East Water to discuss how it supplies over 97% of the water in the constituency. Leakage, burst mains, and pollution are all key issues that must be addressed.
Catching up with Hampshire Constabulary
In my latest meeting with our local police, I met
new District Commander for East Hampshire, Chief Inspector Matthew Moss. I’m pleased to have a productive relationship with Hampshire Police, and I was glad to see a PSCO visit Liphook United after I raised the Club’s recent concerns to the local team.
Christmas cheer at St Thomas’
Its that time of year when Christmas Fayres are popping up all over market squares and village greens. I was delighted to once again open the St Thomas on the Bourne Christmas Fayre, which was filled with many different people from across our brilliant community and a delightful way to spread some Christmas cheer!
LOCAL HEADS ATTEND SEND EVENT IN PARLIAMENT
Headteachers from across the constituency joined me for a special event I hosted alongside the Independent Schools Council, providing the opportunity to raise local concerns with national representatives, and share their insights on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Surrey and Hampshire.
The Government confirmed the delayed release of the White Paper on planned reforms for SEND services until next year, the justification for which is to allow for “co-creation”, effectively stress-testing the reforms to ensure they are correct. It is, however, clear that those who require SEND services cannot afford for this White Paper to be sub-par in its reforms or even face further delays. I will continue to press the government on this issue going into the new year.
LABOUR OFFERS LONDON’S HEART TO CHINA
China, one of the most powerful hostile nations, is seeking to build a mega embassy in the heart of our capital. It would be the largest embassy in all of Europe, and roughly half the size of the Tower of London. The United States, Swiss, Dutch and Swedish Governments - our allies - have raised concerns about vital data cables which run under the proposed Royal Mint Court site.
Labour are denying this is an issue for our national security, so yesterday I asked the Security Minister to clarify whether there was any truth to these alarming concerns. As usual with this Government, the Minister dismissed the question and did not fill me with any confidence that their assessments are correct.
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the burst sewer pipe and the ongoing disruption between Churt and Headley. I am deeply concerned by how long this repair is taking and by the impact on traffic in the area. I have pressed Thames Water for swift action and for clear, regular updates. They have now confirmed that the obstacles around the damaged pipe have been cleared and that work on the burst itself is under way, alongside a review of the traffic management arrangements. I will continue to stay firmly on the case to ensure residents are kept fully informed until this is resolved.
