68th Weekly Newsletter
Two further U-turns this week mean it is now almost standard for anything this Government says to be undone at a later date. That isn’t what I would call governance. But I welcome news on the Chagos Islands and on Post Offices - for which I campaigned. Meanwhile, new figures show growing numbers of young people locked out of work or education - a worrying sign at a time when many are doing everything they can to build a secure future. This needs to be a top priority, as youth employment in our area creeps up month-by-month.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Labour must prioritise maternal health
Seven months have gone by since the Health Secretary proudly announced the creation of a Maternity Taskforce - a sign of taking the issue “extremely seriously”. Yet the Taskforce has not yet met - the Minister knew little about it on Tuesday - while an inquiry in Leeds remains without a chair.
Watch my exchange from the dispatch box
Next steps for patient transport in East Hants
Discussions with local GPs and health officials have made it clear that patients in Bordon and Liphook need better access to hospitals outside our area - for more specialised treatment. I’m pleased that I am pushing forward about how this could work, and will be meeting with potential transport operators and the NHS very soon to explore very promising ideas.
Starmer pauses Chagos Surrender Bill
After months of campaigning, President Trump’s intervention last week appears to have - at least for now - halted Keir Starmer’s misguided plan to pay to give away strategic British territory in the Indian Ocean. Talks with the United States remain ongoing. But Starmer did not listen to his own country, and this shows how difficult that approach will be to sustain.
Community ambitions in choir and cricket
Farnham Youth Choir and Grayshott Cricket Club are both working towards applying for grant funding to support their operations. After visiting both last year, I’ve been delighted to formally offer them my support this week as they prepare their proposals. I wish both all the best, and hope to join them in bringing good news to you about their plans very soon.
GOVERNMENT RELEASES SCHOOLS REFORM PLANS
After months of delay, Labour have finally published their White Paper on Schools reform - something many local parents and teachers have been waiting for. These are detailed and hugely important proposals.
I’ll be working through the White Paper with my colleagues over the coming weeks, including in my role as Vice Chair on the All-Party Parliamentary Group on SEND. I have already scheduled several meetings with local schools, SEND providers and teachers to discuss the local perspective in the coming works, so my work is directly informed by local voices.
I spoke to BBC Surrey about the plans ahead of their release on Monday morning, and remain concerned over the detail on changes to ECHPs, legal rights, and the funding for the proposals. You’ll be hearing much more from me on this in the coming weeks.
BEER FESTIVAL RETURNS TO BEACON HILL
The Beacon Hill Beer Festival returns this May, and I’m pleased to support what has become one of the area’s best-loved community events. Now in its 22nd year, the festival brings residents, businesses and producers together while raising vital funds for the Hindhead Royal British Legion and the village club that has supported local people for generations.
This year’s theme, “Brewed By Her”, will highlight women-led businesses in brewing and hospitality, and the organisers are keen to connect with local businesses, community groups and potential sponsors who would like to take part. The festival takes place on 15th-16th May, and anyone interested in getting involved can contact the organisers at [email protected]. I hope to see many of you there.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
Parents should not have to worry about whether the journey to school is safe, yet road safety remains one of the issues I hear about most often. Over recent months I have been pushing Surrey County Council to take action at several schools where concerns have been raised, including Weydon School, Highfield South Farnham and St Mary’s C of E Infant School in Frensham.
There has been some progress. Speed surveys are now underway outside St Mary’s, an important step towards securing the 30mph limit local families have been calling for. The Council has also agreed to keep a close watch on vegetation encroaching onto the pavement near Shottermill Infant School, after pupils were previously forced towards the road when the hedge became overgrown.
These issues rarely resolve themselves without sustained pressure, and they are exactly the kind of practical local concerns that residents raise with me at regular advice surgeries.
Road surfaces are another example. Potholes remain one of the most frequent complaints I receive, and poor surfaces cause real damage to vehicles as well as posing risks to cyclists. While I continue pressing councils to prioritise repairs, the fastest way to get action is still to report defects directly using the Hampshire and Surrey links below.
