I am really pleased that Labour has finally U-turned on phones in schools after months of Conservative campaigning, backing a nationwide ban. This is welcome, but they still refuse to support stronger protections for children online or meaningful action on social media, which I will keep pressing for. At the same time, however, families face rising energy costs as Ministers add levies rather than cut bills, and new crime figures point to a concerning picture. Taken together, it reflects a Government too often reacting late and failing to get ahead of the issues that matter most to you.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
A31 Safety Improvements at Hickley’s Corner
I’ve been pushing for improvements at Hickley’s Corner, and Surrey Highways has now agreed to lower speed limits and make practical safety changes to both traffic and street lights. While this is welcome progress, I’m continuing to press Government for a full redesign of this stretch of the A31.
New initiative for allotments in Liphook
It was great to talk to Sam and Ed about the ‘LAND’ campaign, which is building momentum to expand allotment space in Liphook. I’ll be taking this forward with landowners, particularly around ensuring existing commitments are delivered and exploring opportunities to support future provision.
Find out more about LAND on Facebook
Upcoming SEND event at the Cookie Bar
I met the wonderful team at the Hindhead-based café to hear more about their work. There’s a particularly interesting ECHP/SEND guidance event next Thursday (30th April) with Pathways Together. This may be of interest to local parents and will include a Q&A and practical support with the SEND system.
Huge support for Change of Scene
I am delighted that Pam and her team at SEND-charity Change of Scene have received more than £500k in grants and donations. Since I visited last year at the site between Wrecclesham and Rowledge, the charity has now secured a new space with planning permission to keep operating.
Help Change of Scene reach their target
Beverley Edmondson Millinery
Based in Farnham, Beverley’s business has a strong local customer base for hats and seasonal fashion accessories - a hugely colourful place to visit. I visited to discuss current concerns about the economy and some issues about the Government’s policies specific so seasonal businesses like milliners - I’ve since written to the Chancellor to raise Beverley’s concerns.
A GOVERNMENT IN CRISIS
Events over the past week have raised serious concerns about the judgement of Keir Starmer. In Parliament, I put three questions to the Prime Minister and his Chief Secretary – all focused on one issue: why are people being appointed to positions of power without proper process being followed?
On Monday, I challenged him after he stumbled through a pre-prepared statement on Lord Mandelson. For a former Director of Public Prosecutions, precision should come naturally - yet we are seeing misquotes and misrepresentations. On Tuesday, I raised concerns about a growing list of questionable ministerial appointments, pointing to a worrying pattern. Then on Thursday, I asked a simple question about Jonathan Powell, a close ally of Tony Blair: has he been granted the appropriate security clearance? Labour refused to answer.
This is about more than isolated mistakes - it speaks to how this Government is operating.
BUSINESS RATES ON WEY HILL
I’ve been speaking to local businesses for months, and the message is consistent: rising business rates are placing real strain on those who keep our high streets going. Nowhere is that clearer than on Wey Hill in Haslemere, where recent changes to rateable values have led to some of the sharpest increases in the country. That means a significant jump in costs is coming, at a time when they are already dealing with higher wages, energy bills, and growing competition.
Business owners are questioning whether they can continue, whether they can sell, or whether the character of the high street itself is beginning to change. The reality is, if we allow costs like this to spiral, we risk losing far more than just shops.
That’s why my party is committed to scrapping business rates for most businesses and easing the burden on those working hard to keep our town centres alive.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
It’s been another busy week supporting residents across the constituency, helping to resolve issues and push things forward where it matters. I’ve assisted a constituent in Lower Bourne with a passport issue for their daughter, and I’m pleased that a constituent in Bordon has now successfully received the paperwork they needed from the Home Office.
I’ve also been working with Surrey County Council on long-standing concerns about safety outside Highfield South Farnham. Funding has now been secured for improvements, with design work underway and a public consultation to follow. The proposed changes include removing the layby outside the school gate on Weydon Lane to create a wider footway, a new section of pavement to better connect existing routes, and a raised table with crossing points to slow traffic and improve safety for children and families.
I also held another constituency surgery today at my office in Hindhead, speaking directly with residents about Hickley’s Corner, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Coeliac Disease and issues with Waverley Borough Council.
