66th Weekly Newsletter
As Parliament heads into recess, Labour leaves behind chaos at the heart of government and a growing policy vacuum. This week saw the Prime Minister’s chief of staff and Cabinet Secretary depart in the wake of the Peter Mandelson appointment scandal, raising serious questions about competence, judgment and accountability at the centre of Downing Street.
Against this backdrop of controversy, confusion and weakening discipline, the Government’s priorities increasingly look out of touch - especially as families and businesses face relentless cost pressures. The Conservatives will continue to hold Labour and the Liberal Democrats to account by standing up for common sense, strong institutions and the communities we serve.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
‘Kill-switches’ in Chinese-made infrastructure
Chinese-made electric buses in Denmark and Norway have reportedly been found to have remote ‘kill-switch’ technology installed for Beijing’s benefit.
China is a malign state and raised this with the Energy Minister, as it’s imperative that we don’t give the vying superpower the same access to our grid.
Farnham and Alton Talking News
I returned to FATN’s studios to meet its President, Ann, for an hour-long interview on my background and the current world of politics. FATN provides an invaluable pre-recorded spoken word news service to those in our area living with sight loss or blindness. I hope its listeners enjoy our chat.
Three excellent causes at Farnham’s Waitrose
I was delighted to hear of the three new charities set to benefit from Waitrose’s green token scheme: Brightwells Gostrey, Challengers’ and Farnham Hygiene Bank. Each will receive between £500-£1,500, which I know will go a long way in supporting their efforts. Do remember to vote!
The state of our roads
We’ve all noticed the amount of potholes after this very wet winter. I’ve spoken to those responsible for roads in Surrey and Hampshire, as many of you have written in. At the end of this newsletter are links to report potholes in your area - please do use them, it is essential for the Council’s processes.
HOSTING LOCAL HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES
Last Friday I convened a roundtable bringing together hospitality businesses from right across the area, with owners and operators joining from Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and neighbouring communities. Joined by a Shadow Minister to ensure a coordinated Conservative response, the aim was simple: to listen directly to those on the front line of our local economy. What I heard was deeply concerning. Businesses spoke about rising taxation, mounting operational costs and the cumulative strain of Government decisions that are making it harder to retain staff, plan ahead or remain viable. One owner described having to re-mortgage their home to keep their business running, while another explained that the burden of business rates had effectively forced a reduction in staffing.
Our independent cafés, pubs and restaurants play a vital role in sustaining local jobs, supporting community life and keeping our high streets active and attractive. Conservatives are clear that practical action is needed now, including scrapping business rates for the vast majority of small hospitality businesses to provide immediate relief and help restore confidence. I would welcome the Chancellor and Business Secretary to visit the area, meet these business owners in person and hear directly about the impact current policies are having on enterprises across our community.
LIB DEM PARKING POLICY UNRAVELS
The Liberal Democrats have been forced into a climb-down on parking charges in Farnham and Haslemere after sustained pressure from local Conservatives exposed just how damaging their plans would have been. The original proposals included charges of up to £25 for longer stays - a move that would have hit town centre workers, particularly in hospitality and retail, at a time when businesses are already under strain. The Councillor responsible dismissed parking as a “small issue”, showing a worrying disconnect from the reality facing those who rely on accessible and affordable parking simply to do their jobs. Parking is fundamental to the health of our high streets and the viability of local businesses.
Now we are being told that the wrong proposals were published - an excuse that feels painfully familiar for anyone watching Labour’s frontbenchers in Westminster scramble to explain away unpopular decisions. The fact remains that these plans were presented formally, and there’s nothing to say they would not have gone ahead without robust opposition from Conservative councillors, local businesses and residents. Questions also remain over the future of the parking support scheme during the Farnham Infrastructure Programme works. The Conservatives have confirmed we are willing to continue our support - the challenge now is whether Waverley’s Liberal Democrat administration will stop shifting position and provide the certainty that local businesses need.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
I was pleased to hear that, after months of correspondence, a constituent’s daughter will finally receive a much-needed EHCP, helping secure the support she needs to thrive.
Despite ongoing backlogs affecting civil service pensions, one constituent has now received their long-awaited lump sum, with regular payments expected to follow. I continue to support those affected to ensure outstanding payments are resolved quickly.
I have also contacted Hampshire County Council about several non-operational streetlights following safety concerns raised by residents, and I look forward to a swift resolution.
