Welcome to the official website of Jeremy Hunt, Member of Parliament for South West Surrey.
Health services in South West Surrey are currently the subject of a massive review.
LAST UPDATED: 5 January 2009
Jeremy is working to stop garden grabbing and overdevelopment in South West Surrey.
LAST UPDATED: 5 January 2009
Post Offices in South West Surrey are under increasing threat of closure.
LAST UPDATED: 4 December 2008
A tunnel is desperately needed to ease traffic chaos on the A3 in Hindhead.
LAST UPDATED: 19 August 2008
Jeremy wants to stop the inappropriate placement of mobile phone masts.
LAST UPDATED: 27 November 2008
Fight against quarries being located in Monkton Lane or Eashing Farm.
LAST UPDATED: 3 April 2008
Should we be concerned by the demise of the community pub?
The loss of a pub often means that the focal point for the rural community disappears and it leaves a gap in the local economy. Pubs have evolved since their beginnings and with our help long may they continue to do so. They hark back to the 12th century when everyone baked their own bread and brewed their own beer. Those who brewed good beer opened pubs, or inns, and they have been gradually adapting to new innovations, such as the jukebox and chilled white wine. Pubs do, though, have certain characteristics which set them apart from sleeker, more modern bars. Pubs are also recognisably British, as much a feature of UK life as the red post-box or the London black cab.
Are pubs important to the national way of life?
Pubs were – and still are – something of a leveller in British society, a place where the stiff-upper lip can unfurl around a pint. They provide a meeting point for people who might not, at least at first, be invited into our homes. They are purveyors of real ale – the warm beer eulogised by John Major – which is arguably one of Britain's great contributions to international food and drink.
Where else but the pub can you find a place that so inexplicably combines the style of a front room with that of an agricultural outbuilding, with the bonus of draught alcohol? "When you get to the pub, you leave the troubles and hierarchies of the outside world at the door," says Pete Brown, blogger and author of ‘Man Walks Into A Pub’. "When you say, 'do you fancy a pint' at work it means you can go offline – and relax. When we are in the pub we can be ourselves and as a nation we are quite stiff and reserved and we need the pub to give us a nudge and break down social barriers."
Most people drink moderately, and enjoyably, when they go to the pub. At the last count there were 55,173 left. But every day you will have to subtract seven from that figure. An average of 36 Pubs are closing for good per week with the Pub Co’s selling the land off for new houses.
Does it matter that pubs may be on the way out?
Yes...
* Pubs are a great historical and social tradition, part of the fabric that holds the country together
* They are vital for keeping alive some of the UK's great rural buildings and one of its culinary specialities – real ale
Overall community pubs are a more welcoming meeting place for those who wish to imbibe and those who don’t. With the varying offer of soft drinks & fresh coffees now commonplace. And not forgetting good food. All provided in a smoke free environment!
What can we as a community do about it?
Quite simply “Use them or lose them!” We are lucky that Rowledge has two great pubs both varying in character and offerings but both equally inviting. I use them equally and sometimes I am the only one in there! No business regardless of what it is selling can continue to trade without customers. What we don’t want is for the present tenants to be forced to relinquish the ties because of continual decline in trade and the brewery sell the land off to developers. That is the modern trend with Pub Co’s who have gone from being brewers to estate agents!
I shall remain anonymous, but what I will say is that when I return home from work and see either of the pubs in my headlights it kind of reminds me that I live in a traditional village with a great community……. I don’t want to drive home and see another 6 ghastly new builds.
Support your Local!!
Posted By Mr James Ballam | 2 December 2008
Dear Jeremy, I am interested in the comment made by Posted By Jane Lees | 12 June 2008.
I am a person with Borderline Personality Disorder. I would like to know more about the threats as quoted by Jane Lees
'the threat to individuals with personality disorders'
Please could Jane send me details via Jeremy Hunt.
Much Appreciated.
Alice
Posted By Miss Alice Knight | 30 October 2008
I endorse the comments written by Jane Lees on 12 June 2008. I too, feel I am sitting idly while our freedoms are being taken away and a police state enforced!As well as the comments above, the spread of cameras across our roads and car parks is infringing on our civil liberties! Only last month, my car was photographed in it's parking bay to prove the ticket had run out and was a justification that I would have to pay a charge of £25-£50.00! Is this action justified for a moments forgetfulness while I am looking after my grand children?
Why does this government want to penalise hard working, law abiding citizens in such a way?
Lindsey
Posted By Lindsey Wheeler | 29 October 2008
I own and manage my own Nursery School and we have been hit by the credit crunch, with our bank cutting our overdraft from 16K to 4K by Christmas! I am a qualified Early Years Primary School Teacher with 3 children 3-9 of my own, stuggling to make a living-passionate about my job, but possibly facing closure of my Nursery and a return to 'proper' teaching !
Trying to find the saveournurseries web link. Does it still exist?
We are in Saxtead near Framlingham. Just been to see Sir Michael lord M.P for my area, but didn't seem much help?
We are a rural Nursery, catering for up to 20 children 2-5. We are highly regarded by county and parents, gained outstanding results in 3 areas during our inspection....?!
Help? Please,
Sheena
Posted By Sheena Giblett | 28 October 2008
I also welcome the decision by Waverley to overturn the application to develop Dunsfold Park. This feeds into a wider national discussion about the imposition of housing on green belt land and other parts of the countryside.
As the credit crunch bites, and as people become more aware of the implications of fuel costs, I hope people in general will become more aware that we need the countryside for farming and I hope people will learn to enjoy the countryside rather than attempting to cover it in concrete.
Posted By Alexander Stilwell | 22 October 2008
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM JEREMY HUNT
Jeremy Hunt MP wishes all residents of South West Surrey a very merry Christmas.
SOUTH WEST SURREY'S PUBS BEING RIPPED OFF IN TAX COVER UP
Local pubs paying too much in rates, says Jeremy Hunt.
HUNT LAUNCHES PETITION TO SECURE MILFORD HOSPITAL'S FUTURE
The battle to save Milford Hospital is to step up a gear, as local MP Jeremy Hunt launches a petition to stop Surrey PCT from closing Milford Hospital before the decision on Foundation Status is made for the Royal Surrey County Hospital.
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