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GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my South West Surrey update No.176 Not much to cheer in the news this week as the war in Ukraine continues to take a number of horrific turns and at home, Covid cases are creeping back up. Remember - I’m holding a rally in support of Ukraine this Saturday in Godalming at 12pm beside the bandstand in Phillips Memorial Park - all welcome.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER

UKRAINE With news that Russia has bombed a maternity hospital ([link removed]) in Mariupol, confirmation that they are using thermobaric rockets ([link removed]) , and intelligence warnings that they may use chemical or biological weapons ([link removed]) these are dark and depressing times. The interview with the Deputy Mayor of Mariupol ([link removed]) was particularly chilling with his suggestion that Putin wanted ‘Ukraine without the Ukrainians.’ The UK’s response continues to be strong apart from on the visa issue: key points this week include the
phasing out of Russian oil ([link removed]) , new aviation and trade sanctions ([link removed]) and the passing of the Economic Crime Bill ([link removed]) by the House of Commons. The fact we’re considering sending Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles ([link removed]) and have already supplied more than 3,500 light anti-tank weapons is also positive. You can hear me discuss this and President Zelensky ‘s extraordinary bravery on Andrew Marr’s new LBC programme from Tuesday evening ([link removed]) .

BUT BUT BUT what about the refugees? The home secretary today announced a very welcome change for family members of Ukrainians in the UK meaning they can get here without having to go to a visa centre ([link removed]) first to give biometrics. But this does not apply to Ukrainians coming for humanitarian reasons. I asked her about a specific constituency issue, namely tech visas for Russians who work for UK-owned businesses ([link removed]) and are desperate to get out. Along with other MPs I have written to the Prime MInister ([link removed]) calling for a much more generous scheme - here’s my comment on it to Andrew Marr. ([link removed])

COVID UPDATE Amber alert I’m afraid on something we thought was behind us: daily new cases have increased significantly over the last week or so as we saw the biggest rise since restrictions were lifted ([link removed]) last month. The ONS survey had cases falling at the end of February ([link removed]) so things have changed quickly this month. As of 11am the Covid dashboard shows that we have had a total of 19,373,884 positive cases of COVID-19 with 162,482 confirmed deaths in the UK. There have been 35,406 confirmed cases in Waverley and sadly 289 confirmed deaths, with an estimated 763 active cases in Waverley. In the last 7 days cases have increased by 46.4%, hospitalisations by 12.2% and deaths by 19.5%.

That key number is 0300 200 1008 for anyone with pandemic related difficulties. Also please check out my full list of local groups ([link removed]) working to support vulnerable residents.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY

SURGERY STORIES I had a fascinating conversation yesterday with Cllr Brian Edmonds from Farnham about the current situation in Ukraine. He was also concerned about the covid risks to councillors, a lot of whom are older, of being required to attend council chambers in person. I have had similar conversations here in parliament where I have been trying to get permission for an older member of my select committee to attend remotely. Looking at the data it is clear the pandemic is not over so I think we should be more flexible.

FARNHAM LITERARY FESTIVAL Don’t forget that the inauguralFarnham Literary Festival ([link removed]) is at 6pm this Friday, with a vibrant and varied programme of events. The Festival will showcase the work of leading, emerging and historical local authors, and will welcome international writers and thinkers to a town with a long creative and cultural tradition. There will be events and workshops, performances of poetry and the spoken word, comedy, writing competitions and interactive sessions. I will also be in conversation with Richard Hunt (no relation - something I am sure he is relieved about) to discuss my upcoming book - tickets are still available here ([link removed]) .

FOOD WASTE ACTION WEEK This week, WRAP ([link removed]) (one of the UK’s leading sustainability charities) is sensibly reminding us of the huge impact household food waste has on climate change and the environment. We throw away 6.6 million tonnes of household food waste a year in the UK - responsible for nearly 25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions or around 5% of the UK’s emissions. The majority is food that could have been eaten and is worth approximately £14 billion (or £60 a month for an average family with two children). It requires an area almost the size of Wales to produce all the food and drink currently wasted in the UK. Please do visit the WRAP ([link removed]) website along with Love Food Hate Waste ([link removed]) , for practical advice and tips on how we can all do our bit to easily reduce the
food waste in our home, so we can deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving global food waste by 2030. ([link removed])

THE GODALMING UKRAINE RALLY This Saturday, I have arranged a rally for Ukraine in Godalming at 12pm beside the bandstand in Phillips Memorial Park. I will be joined by Rector Simon Taylor ([link removed]) from Busbridge & Hambledon Church ([link removed]) along with other church leaders. I have also invited Waverley Borough and Godalming Town Council Leader, Cllr Paul Follows and the leaders from other local political parties. Great to see the parties uniting on this locally as well as in Westminster. Come along and show your support for the brave people of Ukraine.

AND FINALLY I’m sure you’ve seen it but if not it is well worth watching President Zelensky’s historic address ([link removed]) to the House of Commons. It really was a privilege to hear from him ([link removed]) and I am sure I was not the only MP with a tear in my eyes. Some people just rise to their moment in history.

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