Welcome to my weekly update no.353
Parliament is now back and absorbing the latest Mandelson revelations which I discussed this morning with Jeremy Vine on Channel 5. I have a book out…and we are all quietly hoping for a permanent ceasefire in the Straights of Hormuz.
WESTMINSTER WHISPERS
THE MANDELSON FILES A new tranche of files relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson have been released - I am writing this before fully reading them but what worries me is not the content but the damage they will do to confidence in democracy. I was on Laura Kuenssberg’s panel on Sundaydiscussing the revelations about Nicola Sturgeon’s husband where I made the same point: many people will feel totally betrayed at having voted for a party whose chief executive has now admitted to being a criminal. Britain is the fourth least corrupt country in the G20 and considered one of the least corrupt globally by Transparency International, something that is partly because we have a free press that holds politicians to account. But you wouldn’t know that from some of the coverage which leads to more than a quarter of young people saying they prefer dictatorship to democracy. Somehow we need to get the message across that for all their messiness, open societies are not just more humane but work better too.
CAN WE BE RICH AGAIN? Yesterday was the launch of my new book ‘Can We Be Rich Again? The Surprising Potential of Britain’s Economy.’ Spoiler alert: the answer to the question is yes! It’s the book I wish someone had given me the day I became Chancellor and is – I hope – positive and optimistic. Did you know that by 2030 we are projected to overtake Japan as the fifth richest economy on the planet? Check out some great interviews on it with Robert Peston on The Rest is Money, Adam Boulton on Times Radio, Andrew Marr on LBC and for a left-right dingdong Radio 4’s Start the Week. I will be returning to many of the themes in the book over the weeks ahead but check out my top 20 ideas to get our economy growing for a flavour. As with my last book, all royalties go to the new Royal Surrey Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre. Here’s one of the first reviews in from the Telegraph.
Thank you to R4 Today Programme's Justin Webb for a brilliant set of questions at the launch of Can We Be Rich Again? – the definition of friendly fire!
CAN WE BEAR ANOTHER EMAIL AGAIN? Some of the themes in my books take longer than a paragraph to explain. So I have decided to do a fortnightly email that explores one of them in depth. It is not a locally-focused email and I do it through the platform Substack. The first one is about the link between lower tax and higher growth – and how to fund decent public services whilst keeping taxes down. You can see it here and also sign up to get the articles emailed to you. I always focus on solutions not problems – so sign up for your fortnightly dose of positivity!
Click on the link to watch the whole The Rest is Money episode
LOCAL LIFE
CHEERS TO SURREY HILLS WINE – this week is Surrey Hills Wine Week - a chance to celebrate one of our great local success stories. Our local vineyards have quietly built a national reputation for producing exceptional English wines while supporting local jobs, major tourism attraction and contributing to our rural economy. I am incredibly proud of the wonderful Albury Vineyard, Chilworth Manor and Greyfriars Vineyard on the slopes of the Hogsback - all within Godalming and Ash constituency. The Surrey Hills offers the ideal conditions for viticulture and this thriving local industry continues to grow in both quality and reputation. What better excuse do we need to go visit a vineyard or event or (my favourite) enjoy a locally produced bottle with friends!
BRAMLEY TO SHALFORD SGN WORK Work continues on SGN’s gas main replacement scheme between Bramley and Shalford, with engineers progressing north and expected to reach the Links Road junction by last weekend. SGN are carrying out further investigation into the condition of the existing gas main to assess whether they can return to using installing the new plastic pipe within the old metal main. If this proves possible, SGN plans to complete a further 100m of pipe insertion over the next couple of days, helping to accelerate progress and potentially reduce disruption. Fingers crossed!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GREEN HUB! Congratulations to Witley’s Green Hub Project for Teens on celebrating its 5th birthday this year. Since launching, the project has supported more than 300 local young people and their families through gardening and wellbeing activities, growing into an incredible community of over 85 volunteers. Green Hub is holding a birthday celebration and officially launching its new Wellbeing Garden at Witley Station on 14 June (12–4pm), alongside its annual plant sale, family activities and refreshments. A fantastic local initiative making a real difference in our community - well worth supporting!
EXTRAORDINARY EMILIA is a 4 year old girl whose warmth and resilience have touched many. Emilia has Down's Syndrome and has already overcome two heart operations - but her life changed dramatically after suffering a stroke recently which has left her unable to walk or talk and requiring significant ongoing care. I am supporting Emilia’s family who have shown extraordinary strength and determination in getting her through these challenges and are now fundraising to create a safe and accessible home better suited to her needs. You can read more about Emilia’s story and find details of the Crowdfunder fundraising campaign at this link – please support if you can.
AND FINALLY Builders recently uncovered a hidden cellar beneath the White Horse in Hascombe (which competes with the Merry Harriers in Hambledon as my own local) and reportedly found a secret tunnel…could the pub have been related to historic smuggling routes… learn more about it here in this BBC Secret Surrey article.
Useful Links
Register to vote - Register to vote - GOV.UK
Report a pothole - Surrey County Council FixMyStreet
Report an issue WBC - Report Issues or Problems | Waverley Borough Council
Report an issue GBC - Report an issue - Guildford Borough Council
Surrey police non-emergency - Contact us | Surrey Police
Citizens Advice Surrey - Home - Citizens Advice South West Surrey
