After months of political turmoil, Sir Keir Starmer has finally resigned as Prime Minister. His successor, Andy Burnham, returns to Westminster as the new MP for Makerfield and likely Labour leader, marking a significant moment in British politics.
This week also marks Armed Forces Week. Our constituency has a proud military heritage, from the Army's long association with Bordon to the many serving personnel, veterans and military families who live locally. Yet, despite growing global threats, the Government has still failed to publish its promised Defence Industrial Strategy. Our Armed Forces deserve more than tributes - they deserve a clear plan to strengthen Britain's defence and support the industries that keep our country secure.
Greg
FEATURED NEWS
Commemorating Canada Day in Liphook
I was delighted to attend Liphook Junior School's annual Canada Memorial Service to commemorate the 318 Canadian soldiers and two nurses buried at Bramshott who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. Year 4 pupils gave a poignant performance on the theme "The Light That Does Not Fade", sharing the story of the Canadian soldiers trained here, before being sent to fight in Europe. My thanks to Rev Valentine Inglis-Jones, the staff and pupils of Liphook Junior School, Mrs Brown who has organised the event for the last 20 years, and everyone involved in preserving the enduring bond between Liphook and Canada.
Armed Forces Week showcase in Parliament
During Armed Forces Week, I was pleased to visit Mr Speaker’s showcase. The event brought together service personnel, veterans, cadet organisations and military charities from across the United Kingdom to highlight the extraordinary contribution they make to our country. It was a valuable opportunity to meet representatives from all three services, learn more about the support available to serving personnel and veterans, and hear first-hand about the challenges facing our Armed Forces community.
Health Bill Committee scrutiny begins
This week was the start of the Health Bill Committee, a huge piece of legislation, and I have now begun six weeks of line‑by‑line scrutiny. I have been working to table amendments to the legislation to properly check its powers. As it stands, many of the proposals risk further centralisation and an expanded role for the state, an approach I fundamentally disagree with.
Discussing NHS waiting lists with Lord Mackinlay
In March 2026, 351,000 people from across the UK were removed from NHS waiting lists while awaiting treatment. This week I met Lord Mackinlay, a victim of this while undergoing continuous treatment after he contracted sepsis in 2023. Letters arriving late, if at all are what he described as tactical ploys by Trusts to game-ify the system. If you have been victim of this, please do get in touch with my Office as I make the case to the Department for Health and Social Care.
STARMER GOES, BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN
For months, I have argued that Keir Starmer should resign. His handling of the Mandelson affair exposed serious failures of judgment, accountability and leadership that made his position increasingly difficult to defend.
However, his departure should not be mistaken for a fresh start. The problems of the past two years run far deeper than any one individual.
Labour came into office promising change but has too often delivered drift. Time and again, ministers have announced policies with great fanfare, only to retreat when political pressure mounted.
Winter Fuel Payments were taken away from millions of pensioners before an embarrassing U-turn. The Family Farm Tax put generations of British farming at risk before ministers were forced into retreat. A mandatory digital ID scheme was championed and then abandoned. A national inquiry into grooming gangs was resisted for months before the Government eventually conceded.
The pattern is clear: announce, deny, defend, retreat.
Nor should anyone assume that a change at the top will alter that trajectory. The anointing of Andy Burnham, now the Member of Parliament for Makerfield, is being presented by some as a solution. I remain unconvinced.
Using a constituency as a stepping stone may help secure a leadership election, but representing a constituency is not a box-ticking exercise on the path to higher office. Being a Member of Parliament is a responsibility in its own right, and the people of Makerfield deserve a representative focused on them rather than on the next rung of the political ladder.
You can read more here about why Labour's leadership change is unlikely to address the deeper problems facing the Government in my column this week.
EXPLORING FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES AT WAVERLEY ABBEY
My week began with a visit to Waverley Abbey Church of England Junior School, where I had the pleasure of speaking to students about the fundamental British values they have been exploring in assemblies and lessons.
It was a delightful way to start the week, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with such enthusiastic and thoughtful children.
During our discussion, I explained what it means to be a Member of Parliament and how the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance underpin my work every day. We explored how these values apply not only in Parliament but also in their daily lives, both at school and at home.
I was particularly impressed by the students' understanding of these principles and their ability to share real-life examples of how they see them in action. Their questions were insightful and engaging, ranging from politics and public service to whether I had ever met any famous people. I disappointed one young man that I have, sadly, never met Cristiano Ronaldo!
One student asked about proposals to restrict social media access for under-16s and what such measures might mean for young people. We discussed the importance of online safety and the need to ensure children and young people can enjoy the best possible start in life without exposure to harmful or inappropriate content online.
Thank you to the staff and students for such a warm welcome. It was a pleasure to visit, and I look forward to returning in the future.
PRESENTING BILLS TO PARLIAMENT
On Monday I presented four Bills in Parliament, each aimed at highlighting specific issues and prompting further debate, scrutiny, and ultimately change. Presentation Bills play an important role in bringing forward ideas, raising awareness, and encouraging the Government to engage with pressing concerns, even where legislation may not immediately progress.
The Electricity Works (Small Business Compensation Proposals) Bill focuses on the impact that disruptive electricity works can have on small businesses. Its purpose is to press for fairer compensation arrangements, ensuring that businesses are properly supported when works outside their control affect trade and livelihoods.
The Planning Application Consultations (Mobile Network Operators) Bill seeks to improve how developers and mobile network operators engage during the planning process. By strengthening consultation requirements, the Bill highlights the need to ensure new developments are equipped with reliable connectivity from the outset.
The Leisure and Fitness Facilities (Value Added Tax) Bill addresses the financial pressures facing gyms, leisure centres, and community fitness providers. It draws attention to the VAT burden on the sector and promotes the case for reform to support public health, widen access to fitness, and sustain local facilities.
Finally, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 (Repeal) Bill calls for a reassessment of the UK’s legislative framework in light of changing circumstances in Hong Kong. Its role is to prompt discussion on whether existing arrangements remain appropriate and aligned with the UK’s current position.
Taken together, these Bills are intended to bring forward constructive proposals, raise awareness of the challenges facing communities and businesses, and ensure these issues receive proper consideration within Parliament.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
This week has been no exception to a vast range of subjects being brought to my attention.
I was extremely pleased to receive positive feedback from the ICB to my enquiries on behalf of a young lady in Bordon, and I was able to convey the good news to her which I hope will be very helpful in getting her the surgery and help she desperately needs.
Another lady in Bordon who, due to the timing of her universal credit payments, was struggling to pay for her rent, and following my representations on her behalf with the local council, she is receiving support during this difficult time.
In Farnham, a constituent who has been struggling for some considerable time to obtain backdated payments for his state pension has now received the calculations he needed following my intervention by writing to the DWP.
Meanwhile, my weekly discussions with Capita regarding Civil Service Pensions continue and, whilst there is still a long way to go before everyone who has so far contacted me regarding issues in receiving their lump sums, backdated payments and monthly payments, I am making progress. I am very pleased that I was able to raise this issue in the House yesterday which you can read about further up!
