GOOD AFTERNOON & welcome to my weekly update no.320

Bumper edition this week! This is the last newsletter before the summer break so lots to squeeze in. But I can’t go further without saying a huge congratulations to European Champions ([link removed]) the Lionesses - wow what a match yesterday! And thank you for putting us all in a good mood after a rather grim period in Westminster.

WESTMINSTER WHISPERS

YES EU CAN Over the weekend, it was announced that the US and EU hadreached a trade agreement ([link removed]) , with the trade bloc securing a 15% tariff rate. This deal will be seen as a victory for Trump, and averted disaster for the EU. Not everyone ([link removed]) in Europe is happy about it but I remain one of the few who believe the real loser will be the United States. Check out this analysis from the Yale Budget Lab that shows the average US household will lose $3,800 ([link removed].) from tariffs. Free trade makes economies more competitive and was one of Britain’s greatest
gifts to the world as I explain in this podcast about the trade chapter of Can We Be Great Again ([link removed]) ?

TRAGEDY IN GAZA Following President Macron's announcement ([link removed]) that France will soon recognise the state of Palestine, 220 MPscalled for the UK government ([link removed]) to do the same. Many will sympathise given that Palestinian statehood will be a necessary part of any two-state solution to which Israel is no longer committed ([link removed]) . I am not sure this is necessarily the right answer (although the UK has always said it would recognise Palestine at the moment it would be most effective) but I do recognise justified outrage at Israel’s actions in Gaza. As someone who has long supported Israel and was the first Foreign Secretary to apologise for our shameful cap on Palestinian migration before WW2 ([link removed]) I along with many others just
cannot defend what is happening in Gaza.

CRANLEIGH HEALTH WOES During Health Questions last week, I spoke out about theurgent need for health provision ([link removed]) expansion at Cranleigh Village Hospital. Older residents who don’t drive desperately need better access to local healthcare through an expansion in neighbourhood health services. I normally rate Wes Streeting but was disappointed by his reply so the battle goes on.
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Listen to my question to West Streeting about Cranleigh

20 QUESTIONS I also recently sat down for a thoroughly enjoyableinterview about Can We Be Great Again? with Matthew Stalden ([link removed]) . A much more relaxed format than usual and well worth a listen.

LOCAL LIFE

TIME FOR THAT LIFT PLEASE Last week I met with Rail Minister Lord Hendy ([link removed]) to push for the long awaited decision on Access for All funding - we need that lift! The feasibility studies are complete and the results are being assessed, surely not much longer before a decision is made? On Friday I visited Ash Vale Station myself to demonstrate just why we desperately need step free access. It took me 40 puffy seconds at pace to climb up the steps - not a hope of getting to the platform if you have a pram or you are in a wheelchair. Take a look at my vid…

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Why we need step-free access - click on image to view video

GUILDFORD GONE CRAZY It's hard not to despair reading in the Telegraph yesterday Guildford may be the ‘most wasteful council’ ([link removed]) in the country. A contract for fire doors has overspent by £1.6m which means total costs have rocketed from £2.5m in 2022 to £6.5m presently. Why this wasn’t identified before the spend is not explained - which is very concerning given the spotlight has rightly been on Guildford since the discovery of £24.5m alleged fraud (Serious Fraud Unit investigation still live). And over in Waverley the CIL scandal continues - click here to listen to a powerful stating of the case by Steve Dally on GB News ([link removed]) over the weekend.

YET MORE PHONE MEETINGS I met EE last week, who like other providers, have been out and about driving around the constituency testing the current signal, with particular focus on Cranleigh High Street. EE are planning to upgrade existing 4G sites to 5G within the next few years which (hooray) includes many upgrades to masts across Godalming and Ash within the next financial year. I’ve pressed EE for details on exactly where we are going to see changes and when. We are slowly making progress - more meetings later in the year with Vodafone and O2 Virgin Media.

HOGSBACK BEES NEEDS YOU! I had a fabulous trip to Ash Green to meet super Beekeeper Astrid Bowers and her 140 bee colonies spread across 3 apiaries ([link removed]) . And a first as your MP: I suited up as a beekeeper to take a closeup look. Astrid's passion for her bees shone through as she explained how maintaining the bees' food source has become increasingly difficult in recent years with increasing development, climate variation (including this dry summer) and decreasing wild flowers in the area. Did you know Bees travel up to 3km to collect nectar? So a chance to BEE more green fingered and get growing some bee friendly plants ([link removed]) …and do buy the incredibly delicious Hogsback Honey - Squires in Badshot Lea is one seller.

POLICE PROGRESS Last week I enjoyed my regular catch up with Guildford and Waverley Borough Police Commanders to discuss crime and policing matters in Godalming and Ash. I raised a number of antisocial behaviour issues and concerns in Ash and Dunsfold which both police forces are fully across.

BRAMLEY FUEL LEAK I also had an update meeting with Philip Duffy CEO of the Environment Agency last week. It is mildly positive that EA haven’t received further reports of incidents since last September but it will still take years for the fuel to completely leave Bramley’s ground and groundwater so the technical teams are still meeting regularly and the clean-up continues. The pump and treat system continues to clean groundwater alongside vapour extraction units removing any fuel vapours. On a less positive front, uncertainties over identifying ownership and responsibility over the petrol station at the time of the leak continues to be an issue so it is not clear whether there will be criminal proceedings.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND This summer the Mad Hatter’s tea party is coming to Knowle Park, Cranleigh celebrating 160 years of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Created by and for the local community, this lively and imaginative production features a cast and crew of all ages, bringing a much-loved local story to life with a curious twist and a lot of heart. The team would love to see as many people as possible join them on 6th and th September - bring a picnic, soak up the late summer atmosphere, and support local talent details here ([link removed]) .

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT AT DUNSFOLD Godalming resident Paul Jameson has raised over £200k for MND since his diagnosis in 2017 - last year he bungee jumped (or rather he was pushed!), sky dived, water skied and more! Paul’s next challenge is to break 4 Guinness world records on Sunday 7th September at Dunsfold Park: being pushed by a woman and man over a mile and being pulled by huskies over 2 distances. Support Paul and enjoy what looks to be a fantastic big family day out - for details click here ([link removed]) .

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 onFacebook ([link removed]) ,X (Twitter) ([link removed]) ,Bluesky ([link removed]) orInstagram ([link removed]) (although email me rather than comment for a guaranteed reply.)

AND FINALLY Earlier in the year the installation of some pretty awful planters in Shere’s main square caused uproar. Last week Councillor Bob Hughes was very pleased to photograph their departure - see below. The verdict from Shere residents on the new planters? Much happier!

AND ONE MORE Richard and I couldn’t resist an ice-cream at the always delicious Godalming Delights ([link removed]) on Friday before knocking on doors in Busbridge. It's business as usual for casework and we will be back in September with the newsletter. May your summer be filled with ice cream and sunshine and see you in September….

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