GOOD AFTERNOON & welcome to my weekly update no.309
Yesterday was a bit of a personal milestone as it was exactly 20 years since I became an MP. Over many years in government I must have done many things people disagreed with but with the best of British tolerance you have stuck with me through thick and thin - thank you! I can only say every minute has been a privilege.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
TRUMP 100 Yup it is only 100 days since Donald Trump returned to the White House. I profoundly disagree with his views on Ukraine and tariffs as I discussed with Sophy Ridge on Sky News. I do respect his desire to show that democratically-elected politicians can actually change things but can’t for the life of me understand why he thinks tearing up alliances with friendly countries like Canada will help America win its arguments on the global stage. All things I discuss in my book ‘Can we be great again?’ coming about in four weeks time (please forgive the shameless plug!).
LEST WE FORGET This year will be 80 years since the end of WW2 in Europe. On VE Day, I always think of my late Dad who served in the Royal Navy most of his life. His service – and my grandfather in WW2 and his brother who we lost in WW1 – is a lifelong inspiration. My grandfather lived in Godalming and went out to serve in the Indian Army, away from home continuously for seven years. He didn’t even recognise my teenage father when he arrived back at Godalming station.
LOCAL ELECTIONS BATTERING No other way to say it: last week my party - and Labour - were battered in the local elections. My analysis of what is happening is on LBC Opinion: in short we have not been forgiven after last year but Labour is not seen to be succeeding - most of all on the economy. Trump’s tariffs have yet to cause pain but taxes are up, confidence is down and growth is down. The extra money for the NHS could have been found if Rachel Reeves had been bolder on welfare reform and public sector productivity but sadly the noises on this get more and more timid. If they remain that way, Labour will create a vacuum just perfect for Reform.
NHS SAFETY Maternity safety campaigners are extremely worried about the axing of the ring-fenced maternity safety funding pot. I made a big effort to reduce baby deaths when I was Health Secretary and made some progress (they fell 17%) but now they are now they are going up again so I challenged Wes Streeting on this today - you can see our exchange.
Maternity safety campaigners are extremely worried about the axing of the ring-fenced maternity safety funding pot - my question to Wes Streeting today.
WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY
STOP THE SCANDAL On Friday I met some of the victims hit by huge CIL charges which Waverley has decided to levy as an additional tax for simple home extensions. Very few other councils are doing this - and hearing their stories highlighted how absolutely unjust and traumatising Waverley has been. In many cases people had charges for £45,000-100,000 with no warning at all - some are having to sell up to pay it. Waverley agreed to sort this out in January following pressure from Conservative Group Leader Jane Austin and Cllr Lauren Atkins - but are now backtracking. The latest is the suggestion refunds will be on a ‘means-tested’ basis e.g. if they deem you poor enough. But what’s wrong is wrong: CIL was not meant for private home extensions and Waverley are exploiting a loophole in the way the legislation was worded which they should abandon. Take a look at this video to hear the scandal that is going on:
Joining Waverley residents protesting at being charged huge CIL fines
SURGERY CALLS My first call today was to a Shere resident about the assisted dying bill. Her concern was choice: having seen her mother die a very painful death she felt strongly people should have more choice over their final days. She did however recognise the importance of proper safeguarding. I then spoke to a Farncombe resident about the same issue - and also an issue about an NHS hospital not being open about failures in care. This is an issue I worked hard to improve as Health Secretary and is heart-breaking to hear it is still going on. Finally sorting the issue out is a major theme of my campaigning in parliament with the All Party Patient Safety Group.
SUPPORT FOR GODALMING’S UKRAINIANS Readers may not know that Waverley Borough Council will lend Ukrainians up to six months’ rent if they are lucky enough to secure a rental property. This is the only way they can rent unless they have a guarantor. It is paid back monthly and has worked well. However, now that some are having to move again, a second loan is not available, and some landlords require more than 6 months’ rent up front. A couple of years ago, the brilliant Cherry Gay from Godalming’s Ukrainian Support Group decided that the money they had raised for their group would be used in a similar way. Due to their success and achievements, the Group now needs more funds and are asking if people can donate to support this initiative. To find out how you can help and make a real difference contact: [email protected]
TREE FELLING IN COMPTON Numerous locals have contacted me in recent weeks concerned about the felling and thinning at Bummor Copse. Although I have had confirmation the work is Forestry Commission licensed, the work does look extensive … and locals are asking why do it in nesting season and while the Bluebells are in full swing? I am told the Forestry Commission (and potentially the National Wildlife Crime Unit) are now investigating further and will keep you posted.
ROW BEHIND ROWLEYS Rowleys Community Centre in Cranleigh is totally brilliant but being badly treated by Waverley which is cutting its grant so savagely it may end up closing. We must not let this happen! I have become a patron to support it and we all need to rally to its support: on Friday it was packed: a dementia support group, keep fit club, bingo…also chiropody, hairdressing and much more, all really well run by Gary and his team. Thank you for having me and keep up your superb work for older people in the community.
ST MARY'S SHACKLEFORD TO CLOSE? Sad news to learn St Mary’s C of E Infant school may close at the end of this school year, in which case Puttenham CE Infant School will offer places to Shackleford’s current pupils from September 2025. Make sure you have your say - the consultation is underway until Friday 23rd May, to access click here.
VIRTUAL DEMENTIA EXPERIENCE The wonderful Hunter Centre in Haslemere has arranged for a dementia bus to come to Crown Court Car Park, Godalming (10.00-16.00) on Fri 23 May. The bus houses a simulator which allows visitors to experience what it might be like for someone living with dementia. No appointment necessary the experience lasts 15 minutes.
FETE SEASON is upon us! Blackheath Fete yesterday was another triumph and the weather held off…just. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who made it once again one of the very best. And Godalming Rotary was as busy as ever - thank you all. Looking forward to Dunsfold Fete upcoming this Saturday!
AN EVENING WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES on 17th May presented by the wonderful Undershaw Special Needs School in Hindhead - the perfect setting as die-hard fans will already know Undershaw was the former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Pre-event auction and special guests Gyles Brandreth and Stephen Fry - so it promises to be a fun evening and of course a brilliant cause. To buy your virtual tickets click here…. Elementary, my dear Watson!
JOIN ME Want to get more involved with my brilliant election-winning team locally? Email me at [email protected] to help support our work in our community. If you would like more regular updates of my work locally and nationally, do follow me on Facebook, X (Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram. Please don’t always assume I will see every comment on a post - email is a more reliable way to ensure a reply.
AND FINALLY Why is there so much confusion - was Godalming the first town to have electric street lights in 1881… or not? The mystery is solved in this BBC Sounds 10 minute podcast!
