59th Weekly Newsletter
It’s been one of those weeks where the Government’s excuses have been more carefully prepared than its policies. Fresh figures confirmed today that the economy contracted again in the three months to October - another dent in the Chancellor’s already threadbare claims of stability. It’s funny how often Labour seems surprised when uncertainty, higher taxes and hesitation produce exactly the results any real economist would expect.
Greg
ST PETER’S PUPIL WINS CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Earlier today, I visited St Peter’s C of E Primary School on Little Green Lane in Wrecclesham to meet Year 3 pupil Isabelle after her design was voted as the winner of my official Christmas Card competition this year. Well done Isabelle!
The design, which you can see below, features a wonderful nativity display with the words Peace, Love and Joy. Isabelle’s entry won by popular vote last month. The card was printed locally in Liphook by the wonderful team at Print + Design IT and below you can see Isabelle and I jointly signing our card to The King and Queen.
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Launch of Beacon Hill Residents’ Association
I’ve written before about the value of residents’ associations, so it was great to attend the signing of the constitution for our newest one, Beacon Hill. It was good to see both Haslemere Mayor Jean Arrick and Phoebe Sullivan there. I know the new association will offering a strong platform for collective action.
Busy times for Royal Mail in Haslemere
Our postal service is tested to its peak at this time of year - with cards, presents and more flowing through key delivery centres in Farnham, Haslemere and Bordon. I went to see the Haslemere team to thank them for their hard work, and of course to post some of my Christmas cards to those in the local area.
Patient transport in East Hampshire
After the tremendous success of the Farnham Hospital Hoppa, I’m spearheading new discussions with local transport operators to begin working towards a new service for those in Bordon, Liphook and our Hampshire villages. These discussions are still in their infancy, but I’m pushing hard for progress.
Digital infrastructure and the National Trust
The National Trust is a cherished instituteion across the UK, but as a significant landowner in Frensham, Passfield and Ludshott, its consent is key to the continued expansion of our broadband and mobile networks. I’m keen to work with them, off the back of my recent survey, to improve access in rural areas.
SAY NO TO DIGITAL ID
Three million people signed the petition against Labour’s plans for compulsory Digital ID for all adults in the UK, so on Monday I joined the debate to say plainly that it must not happen. You told me you are overwhelmingly against Digital ID, and even those who support it do not believe it would meaningfully address illegal working. The real concern is the risk to privacy and the creeping reach of the state under this socialist Government.
But it does not stop there. Labour are also trying to use NHS numbers as a hidden form of Digital ID for children. In Wales, this approach has already raised serious warnings about data leaks, breaches of children’s rights and families disengaging from healthcare altogether. There are real risks for vulnerable children whose confidential information could be exposed. Yet Labour still want to push ahead with this nationally. We must make it clear that this level of intrusion is wrong.
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
I am pleased to report that the burst sewer main on Churt Road has now been repaired. During the works, residents highlighted the poor condition of the diversion route and nearby country lanes, so I have contacted both Surrey and Hampshire to raise the defects and request a clear timeline for repairs. Other issues this week include delays faced by retiring service personnel in receiving their pensions, which I have referred to the responsible Minister, and continued problems with unwanted phone calls. One case involved a vulnerable elderly resident being signed up to a contract she did not understand, and another involved a business repeatedly targeted despite being registered with the Telephone Preference Service. Although offenders can be reported to the Information Commissioner, current laws are clearly not strong enough, and I will be watching closely for any forthcoming legislative changes.
