Before anything else, I want to express my sincere condolences following the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances surrounding her death are deeply shocking, and I know many will be following the police investigation closely. Ann served in public life for many years and was known for her strong convictions and willingness to speak her mind. My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those mourning her loss.
As Parliament approaches the summer recess, Andy Burnham's short path to No. 10 is nearing its conclusion, despite many still having little idea of his plans for Britain. This week, the Government was told it has a moral obligation to reverse Rachel Reeves' freeze on student loan repayment thresholds - a broken system affecting many people in our area. Despite our pledge to cut interest rates, Labour has made it clear this is far from a priority.
Greg
FEATURED NEWS
Health Secretary stumbles under scrutiny
The interim Health Secretary couldn’t tell me on Wednesday when the delayed NHS Workforce would be published, nor when Labour will help the victims of "a far bigger scandal than thalidomide”. He also avoided questions on waiting lists and “de-transitioning” people who are still waiting for support.
Opening this year’s Bourne Show
Farnham’s Town Crier and I were treated to a ride around the green in a 1928 Lancia Lamda before officially opening the annual Bourne Show. It was nice to catch up with groups including Farnham Assist, Farnham Runners, Farnham Lions, More House School, U3A Farnham, Farnham Ramblers and more.
Labour’s broken election promise
Energy bills in Britain have risen by £300, despite Ed Miliband promising to cut them - by £300. When the endless pursuit of headlines drives policymaking, this is the result. Perhaps if the £20m of taxpayer cash splashed on consultants for ‘Great British Energy’ had gone on something worthwhile…
Summer in swing at Lindford Village Fête
It seemed more people than ever came along to the fête in Lindford this year, with more stalls and certainly the right weather! As always with such events, it is lovely to chat with local groups like the Deadwater Valley Trust and the local Community Trust, the Parish Council and, of course, the village goose!
SMALL FARMS FACE CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES
Small abattoirs are essential to our local food supply, enabling farms to sell high-quality, locally produced meat directly to butchers, pubs, restaurants and customers. Without them, transport costs rise, animal journeys become longer, and the future of the farm-to-table food many of us value is put at risk. Increasing regulatory costs, alongside Labour's jobs tax, are placing even more pressure on businesses that are already operating on tight margins.
So I was pleased to host a parliamentary roundtable with the National Farmers' Union to discuss the growing crisis facing small and medium-sized abattoirs. Following the closure of Newman's Abattoir in Farnborough, Hampshire has been left without a single operational abattoir, forcing many farmers across Surrey and Hampshire to transport livestock much further afield. This is a real issue for those in our area.
I will continue working with farmers, the NFU and colleagues in Parliament to press for a fairer system that supports local food production, protects animal welfare and helps ensure our rural communities can continue to thrive.
POLLUTION IN THE RIVER WEY
I know protecting our rivers is a priority for many residents across our area, which is why I raised concerns in Parliament yesterday about sewage pollution affecting the River Wey and the Farnham Sewage Treatment Works.
Storm overflows are designed to protect homes during periods of heavy rainfall, but when systems become overwhelmed they can result in discharges into rivers. I have pressed the Water Minister on what more can be done to ensure Thames Water delivers the improvements needed at pace, including upgrades to remove phosphorus from wastewater.
I will continue to hold Thames Water to account and push for the investment needed to protect the River Wey, improve water quality and safeguard this important part of our local environment for residents and future generations.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
Lidl has now confirmed that the area outside their Forest Centre store will now be checked daily to ensure that customers using wheelchairs and mobility scooters can access the shop safely and without obstruction, after I spoke to them on behalf of a Bordon resident who had been experiencing increasing difficulties navigating the pavement due to shopping trolleys being left scattered along the pathway leading to the store entrance.
I am also pleased to report progress on several other cases. Three Civil Service pension cases are moving forward, despite Capita missing its deadline to clear the outstanding backlog by 30th June. In addition, a constituent in Farnham has finally received his Grant of Probate following a lengthy delay. Meanwhile, I have raised concerns with Surrey Police and Surrey County Council on behalf of residents in Rowledge regarding speeding and wider road safety issues, and I look forward to receiving their responses.
