60th Weekly Newsletter
As this is my final newsletter of 2025, it is a moment to pause and reflect on a year that has shown the real strength of our community and the importance of having our local voice heard in Parliament.
There is much to be hopeful about, but also challenges we cannot ignore. Youth unemployment locally is rising, while housing proposals continue to target the wrong places. At the same time, the number of homes actually securing planning permission is falling sharply, casting real doubt on Labour’s promise of 1.5 million new homes for the very young people they claim to be helping.
As we look ahead, I will remain focused on what matters most to our area and on securing the right outcomes for our community. As Christmas approaches, I wish you and your family a happy and holy Christmas, and every good wish for a healthy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to seeing you in 2026.
Greg
FEATURED IN WESTMINSTER THIS WEEK
Winning Wrecclesham design with Mr Speaker
St Peter’s pupil Isabelle won my Christmas card competition this year. As part of that annual tradition, I presented her winning design to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Isabelle and I signed a joint card to Their Majesties last week, which should now have arrived at the Palace.
Government promises 3% on defence - but when?
The authors of Labour’s Strategic Defence Review warned that spending 3% of GDP was vital to making it affordable. I asked when Labour would finally reach that level - and how they plan to get there - but the Minister chose not to offer a timeframe or plan. These questions on defence funding remain unanswered.
Labour chaos continues over jury trial plans
Confusion has reigned over deeply problematic plans to scrap most jury trials, especially when the change will happen. Labour’s approach to justice reform is muddled and uncertain, but the Justice Secretary indicated to me vague assurances that he plans to scrap these Magna Carta rights early in the new year.
Just hiking housing targets won’t fix Britain
In communities like ours, development is racing ahead while schools, GP surgeries and roads are already stretched to capacity. Forcing growth into areas without the ability to absorb it does not solve the problem - it just shifts the pressure onto places least able to cope. Labour must re-think its housing plans.
STRIKES DRAIN £500M FROM NHS SERVICES
The Health Secretary admitting something extraordinary to me on Wednesday: £500 million has been taken out of NHS budgets to cover the cost of strike action. That is half a billion pounds quietly swallowed up by disruption - money that was meant for patients, waiting lists and frontline services, not for firefighting industrial chaos.
Even more striking is the continued refusal to accept responsibility for how we reached this point. Doctors were handed a substantial pay rise last year with no meaningful accountability, and it was entirely predictable that further demands would follow. As strikes continue, the bill keeps rising, investment is crowded out, and patients are left paying the price for a system that has lost control.
FEATURED IN OUR AREA THIS WEEK
Objecting to expansion plans at Farnborough
I have objected to proposals that would allow Farnborough Airport to increase flying at weekends and on public holidays. The plans would shift disruption into weekends, without any meaningful reduction in overall flight numbers - causing more noise and disruption.
Christmas cheer on Castle Street and at the BOSC
From independent food and drink producers to crafts, gifts and local charities, the Christmas Markets in Farnham and at the BOSC in Bordon were great showcase of the festive spirit we have here in the community. Events like this are a real boost for local businesses and a highlight of the festive season.
SEND support in action at Ridgeway School
I met Headteacher Tom Byrne to see SEND schooling at its best. Every classroom was different, carefully tailored to meet children with acute needs, and it was impressive to see the staff’s care and expertise. A powerful reminder of why our SEND system must be properly supported for those who rely on it most.
NHS MEETING AT CHASE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
My focus at Chase Community Hospital was simple: to make sure that areas which have been decommissioned are still being properly looked after, and that the site remains viable should services ever need to return, be expanded or new services commissioned. This follows concerns raised by local residents about the future of the hospital and how it is being maintained, whilst decisions on its future and the proposed Health hub rumble on.
I met with the NHS Property Services team on site to talk through the condition of the buildings and how the estate is being managed. They confirmed that the hospital remains compliant with regulations, with investment rightly focused on the areas currently in use. I have asked for a written summary of the work that has recently been completed, along with the five-year estates plan, including how unoccupied parts of the site are being maintained.
We also discussed what the process would be if any part of the Chase estate were ever considered no longer needed by the NHS. NHS Property Services were clear that this would be a decision for the Integrated Care Board, based on whether the buildings remain functional and suitable for modern healthcare needs.
In the same meeting, I raised Haslemere Hospital and pressed for clearer answers on the condition of the site, ongoing heating problems and future investment. I was told that both asset and mechanical surveys have now been completed, and that remedial works are already under way. I will continue to monitor progress closely and keep residents updated.
THIS YEAR’S CASEWORK
Over the past year, my office has dealt with an extraordinary volume of casework on behalf of local residents. As of today, I have been contacted by 9,045 constituents, generating a total of 21,605 emails. In response, my team and I have sent 21,809 replies, ensuring people receive clear answers and practical support when they need it. Alongside this, I have held at least two constituency surgeries every month, both in person and virtually, so residents across Farnham, Haslemere, Bordon, Liphook and the surrounding villages can raise issues directly with me and my team.
As Christmas approaches, it has been particularly heartening to share good news with constituents this week. We have helped secure the cancellation of prescription charges that were wrongly applied, supported residents to renew their driving licences, chased delayed pension payments, progressed visa decisions, and ensured flooding concerns are finally being addressed. In each case, these interventions have made a real difference - relieving stress, restoring confidence, and helping people move forward with their lives. Many constituents have been in touch to say how relieved and grateful they are to have their issues resolved, often after months of uncertainty.
I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to write to me this year. My team and I will continue working hard to make sure local voices are heard and problems are properly dealt with.
