Welcome to my weekly update no.348
Fireworks in Westminster yesterday with a disappointing performance from the Prime Minister. But snuck in - so it wouldn’t get noticed - was an incredible and welcome u-turn: mobile phones are to be BANNED from schools! And I am doing my final training ahead of Sunday’s London marathon – wish me luck!
WESTMINSTER WHISPERS
THE BLAME GAME The Guardian’s recent bombshell report that revealed Peter Mandelson’s failure to pass security vetting plunged No 10 into chaos and yesterday we heard the PM’s side of the story. I am someone who publicly wished Sir Keir Starmer well on the night of the 2024 General Election defeat but what we heard was unseemly and beneath his office. What ever happened to the principle of taking responsibility for your team? In this case Sir Olly Robbins was clearly trying to implement the PM’s own wishes in a way that was consistent with what the thought the law was. The PM prides himself on ‘process’ but rushed the appointment through before security clearance – against advice – and then threw a top official under the bus when it unravelled. It is not the first time and surely the real issue here is simply a lack of grip. How would Keir Starmer have reacted if this had been a Conservative Prime Minister? Of course as an Opposition MP it is my duty to oppose the government of the day but I wish this was not happening and just really really sad and disappointed our leader is behaving in this way.
SCHOOLS ARE TO BE SMARTPHONE FREE! In a major victory for smartphone free schools campaigners like Gemma Taylor and Cllr Jane Austin locally, the government has relented on its opposition to banning smartphones from schools. This is truly brilliant news for many parents worried that the ‘never used, seen or heard’ policy just doesn’t work as kids have their phones with them throughout the school day. It won’t be the end from campaigners: like me they want children to have real (e.g. face to face) friendships not digital ones and of course this doesn’t solve smartphone addiction at home. But it is a wonderful step forward.
THE NEXT SILICON VALLEY? With an energy crisis also looming, defence spending has been the source of great tension between the Treasury and the MoD this year. The MoD desperately needs more cash and Treasury officials are refusing to give it. More defence spending should not mean more money for failing projects – likely one of the Treasury’s concerns – but could mean a big boost for growth, not least the opportunity to boost the UK’s tech sector. Speaking to Nick Ferrari on LBC last week, I highlighted the fact that the original Silicon Valley took off because of major cash injections from US agencies looking to gain an edge on the Soviet Union. But that isn’t the only reason…of course the most important is the need to defend ourselves. But it is time we recognised defence spending could be a big opportunity too.
HIGH RESOLUTION I also recently sat down with Ruth Curtice on the Resolution Foundation Podcast to discuss the state of the UK economy. Ruth is absolutely brilliant and actually worked with me when I was Chancellor. We were joined by IPSOS Chief Exec Kelly Beaver, and the three of us chatted about energy crises, the cost of living and what the government can do to help in these situations. A thoroughly enjoyable chat and well worth listening to.
LOCAL LIFE
BRAMLEY FUEL LEAK MEETING Thanks to everyone who attended last week’s public meeting - we received updates from EPS (Asda’s consultants), Openreach and Thames Water. The clean-up picture is improving, with contamination now largely contained near the petrol station - however, fuel is expected to remain underground for years. Monitoring continues across multiple boreholes, but frustratingly no supporting data was provided so I will be formally requesting this, along with clarification on whether there are gaps in monitoring south of the millstream. EPS confirmed Phase 1 (groundwater pumping and treatment) is nearing completion, with further work ahead to break down remaining fuel, including pumping oxygen and targeted chemicals. Residents also raised health concerns; the current advice remains to report these via your GP. Openreach confirmed connectivity improvements are ongoing (with fibre rollout aiming for completion by March 2027, and Thames Water has reduced testing to monthly monitoring. I will continue pressing Asda, regulators and all agencies for clear answers, transparency and accountability.
SURREY DAY Surrey Day is back on Saturday 9 May - a celebration of everything that makes Surrey such a fantastic place to live, work and visit. This year’s themes are Underground Surrey and Surrey’s hidden treasures, shining a light on the county’s rich history and lesser-known gems. It’s a great chance to support our communities and celebrate local pride - here is the link to get more involved. My hidden treasure? The bluebells around Hydon’s Ball and Hascombe Hill which I have been loving on my Marathon training.
WEY AND ARUN BRIDGE BUILDING - I had the enormous pleasure of joining canal building volunteers and enthusiasts at Rooks Hill on Saturday to celebrate the excellent progress being made on this important local restoration project to eventually completely reinstate London’s lost route to the Sea. It was a pleasure to lay commemorative bricks recognising the contributions of locals John Compton and Martin Foster, whose support has been instrumental in making the scheme possible. Visitors were able to walk the future canal route and see first-hand the work underway on the new bridge and canal channel. The appeal has now raised over £233,000, leaving just under £20,000 to fully fund Phase 1, which is expected to be completed this summer.
HASCOMBE FOUNTAIN The beautiful historic Hascombe fountain has sadly been turned off following updated guidance from the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which no longer considers warning signage sufficient to protect public health. Hascombe residents are now faced with difficult (and potentially costly) options to get the water switched on - from restricting access to the water to funding costly ongoing testing of around £6,000 per year. Alongside Hascombe PC I will look into whether any other options available - discussions are ongoing!
HAVE YOUR SAY FOR OUR NEW WEST SURREY COUNCIL On Thursday 7th May there will be elections to the new West Surrey Council following the government’s decision to reorganise Surrey into unitary authorities. From May 2026 elected shadow Councillors will help to create the new authority - and in April 2027, the existing county council and 11 district and borough councils will be replaced by the two new unitary councils – East Surrey and West Surrey. Godalming and Ash will sit in the West Surrey half. For further information, updates and resources check out this excellent information hub called ‘Future Surrey’ which has been developed by Surrey County Council and the 11 district and borough councils.
AND FINALLY… If you haven’t already seen it, the footage of Artemis II returning to Earth is truly remarkable. After travelling further than any humans in over 50 years, the crew’s capsule re-entered the atmosphere at extraordinary speeds before a textbook splashdown in the Pacific - take a look at this BBC programme for a powerful reminder of what human ingenuity and international collaboration can achieve. Life is not just about madness in Westminster!
