WELCOME TO MY WEEKLY UPDATE NO.255.
This week in Westminster has been dominated by foreign affairs which always serves as a reminder that we should never take the freedom, democracy, and security that we enjoy for granted. Meanwhile lots going on in Surrey – not least regarding the Farnborough Airport expansion about which I have serious concerns. As always if you want to get more involved locally do email [email protected].
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
RIP ALEXEI NAVALNY Sometimes you read about someone who just makes you feel incredibly humble because of the magnitude of their courage and self-sacrifice. Alexei Navalny was one - as I wrote in this week’s Herald. Senator John McCain said the ‘honour you earn and the love you give when you sacrifice for something greater than self-interest’ - which perfectly described him. And what is the message for us in the UK? First of all that freedom is not just a ‘western’ concept, it is something that all human beings aspire to. And secondly, we can never take it for granted. This week the UK announced sanctions on the heads of the penal colony where Navalny was killed which is right– those responsible should be held accountable. But to turn John McCain's words on their head - it is also self-interest. Because Putin is not just murdering people in Russia, he is murdering people in Ukraine. And if he succeeds in Ukraine, somewhere else will be next.
GAZA VOTE FARCE Parliament was definitely not at its finest on the votes on Gaza this week. The SNP tried to split Labour with a motion on a ceasefire. The Speaker appeared to try to help Labour by changing parliamentary procedures so their amendment could be voted on (although he says he did it to protect MP’s personal safety). But that led to the government withdrawing its amendment and abstaining from voting. The Speaker, who is really the nicest of people, has apologised. But what matters is not parliamentary games but the individuals suffering in the conflict, including the people dying in Gaza. I say this as a long-standing friend and supporter but Israel too must obey international law and ensure that aid can get in. As you will see in this video the UK and Jordan airdropped humanitarian aid to Tal Al-Hawa Hospital in northern Gaza helping thousands of patients as a result.
BUDGET PREP We now have 12 days until the Budget so the Prime Minister and I have been finalising the measures. Sorry but I cannot reveal the secrets in this email much as I love my constituents! But part of the Budget process involves listening to what major business sectors and leaders need to be as successful as possible– and therefore contribute as much as possible to our economy. On Tuesday I held a roundtable to discuss how we can encourage more foreign investment in the UK. (Reminder: we have been getting more greenfield investment in the last three years than anywhere in the world except America).
WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY
GREEN SPACES Since being elected in 2005, I have worked closely with the Surrey National Farmers Union (NFU), so I know the PM’s announcement at the NFU Conference on Monday on our plan to support farming businesses was welcome. He outlined a range of measures to boost productivity and support farming businesses, which you can read more about here. It includes the largest ever grant offer for farmers in the coming financial year– expected to total £427 million.
FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT EXPANSION Earlier this week I submitted a letter to Rushmoor Council objecting to the Farnborough Airport expansion which you can read here. I agree with concerns raised by many constituents who are worried about the substantial increases in both the volume and type of flights proposed in this application – especially over weekends. Although I have requested further information on noise monitoring and emissions I have not yet received any comfort on this, or anything which explains why they need such a dramatic expansion. We all know business travel matters and I am not someone who wants to ban flying but I do think any airport expansion should pay due notice to the concerns of local residents, which these plans most certainly do not.
20MPH ZONES I know that 20mph zones can be controversial with very strong views on both sides – with many people taking different views on the relative importance of journey times, pollution and road safety. Before making any representations to Surrey County Council, I would love to know what you think so please do fill out my questionnaire about it here.
CRANLEIGH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Ballots on the Neighbourhood Plan for both Cranleigh and Elstead and Weyburn dropped through the letterbox this week, however I have just been sent news that both referendums have been suspended until further notice by order of the High Court. I will update you on this as I get more news but I hope this will be resolved quickly because Neighbourhood Plans are important; they ensure that local people really do decide what developments happen and where and in a way that preserves the special character of our area. I lobbied Michael Gove and the outcomes of any referendums approving a neighbourhood now get protected for five years so it is really worth doing them.
HASCOMBE PHONE MAST Over the weekend I went to look at the new Hascombe mobile phone mast which was put up on one of my favourite walking routes with Poppy. It comes after years of campaigning by me and Hascombe residents because we all live in a notorious hotspot. But the one that has been put up is being powered by a noisy generator– not part of the original deal at all. I am pleased that BT contacted me today to suggest they power the mast with a mixture of battery power and a generator running for just 4 hours a day. This sounds like a much better solution so let's see how this works out in reality. Do have a look at the video below which I took when I visited the site.
COUNCIL MERGERS Lib Dem-led Waverley Borough Council still seems to be insisting on a merger with Guildford Council, despite the latter being reportedly investigated by the police for fraud. Is this really a good time to proceed with the merger? I don’t think it makes sense for either Guildford or Waverley residents given the fraud is estimated at £16 million.
UKRAINIAN CHARITY EVENT This Saturday 24th February the community of Ukrainians in Godalming have invited everyone to a charity event dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The aim is to show unity and raise funds for Ukrainian Mission UK volunteers, who deliver humanitarian aid, medicine, and medical equipment to Ukraine. Starting at 11am with the official opening, there will be a food festival of traditional Ukrainian cuisine and a raffle for unique Ukrainian items provided by Ukrainian Mission UK. There will also be a performance of folk songs on the bandura and an acrobatic number dedicated to the children of Ukraine. The first part of the day finishes at 2.00pm. The second part of the day will witness a charity screening of the film "Carol of the Bells” at Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Crown Court, Godalming, GU7 1DY at 5.00pm with a charity contribution of £2.
HUNTER CENTRE BOOST Over the past year Hindhead Golf Club and Farnham Lions, have raised an amazing £31,586 for The Hunter Centre, an fantastic charity in Haslemere that helps and improves the quality of life for those living with all forms of dementia. For anybody who would like any information or support please contact the manager Elaine Clement on 01428 654710 or email her on [email protected]. During Dementia Awareness week in May, The Hunter Centre will be holding a series of events including a virtual dementia bus on Monday 13th May in the Waitrose car park in Haslemere. This bus gives an insight into some of the symptoms those with dementia are having to live with. For further details and to make a donation check out www.thehuntercentre.co.uk.
In Hascombe to look at the new mobile phone mast (video here).
SOCIAL MEDIA If you would like more regular updates of my work locally and nationally, do follow me on Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp or Instagram.
JOIN ME Want to get more involved locally? Email me at [email protected] to join my growing team supporting our work in our community. We had some excellent sessions last week– knocking on 533 doors!
AND FINALLY… This French town has certainly “squeezed” the day with its impressive display of giant sculptures dedicated to the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games!
