**
------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD AFTERNOON & welcome to my South West Surrey update No.206
Last week I met with Martin Lewis ([link removed]) and mortgage lenders to discuss the mortgage market, and reiterate that lenders must enable mortgage holders to switch to new fixed rate mortgages where possible, provide information on rate changes and ensure staff are available to help customers. Locally, I visited local businesses in both Witley ([link removed]) and Bramley ([link removed]) and attended the Churches Together ([link removed]) Christmas Service in Godalming where I heard some wonderful Ukrainian carols from our new and most welcome Ukrainian residents.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER

TREASURY UPDATE - As Chancellor one of the best ways I can drive growth throughout the economy is to focus government support on the sectors where we either have, or could have, a clear international competitive advantage. One of the most obvious sectors that falls into this category is financial services. So last week I launched the ‘Edinburgh Reforms’ ([link removed]) , a series of regulatory reforms designed to boost that sector, the job opportunities it creates and encourage more investment into the UK. They will help ensure we are one of the most competitive places in the world ([link removed]) for financial services to base themselves – whether that is in London, Edinburgh or across the UK. Financial services are around 10% of our GDP and nearly a quarter of our tax base but we face strong competition so this was designed to show we are not complacent - whilst
being careful not to ‘unlearn’ the lessons of the banking crash in 2008. You can see my comments on the Edinburgh reforms here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed]) .

SMALL BOATS One of the issues worrying a lot of people is the increase in small boats crossing over the Channel. There have been 44,000 so far this year, quadrupling over the last two years. So this week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a plan to tackle the issue ([link removed]) . There are no easy solutions, but underlying the issue is a surge in globally mobile populations. We want to remain a country that welcomes people in genuine need, an area in which we have a proud history, but it is also important British hospitality is not abused by people smuggling gangs bringing people here from countries that are not dangerous.

COVID UPDATE As of Friday 9th December the total number of Covid cases in England remained roughly the same, with the ONS reporting that (as with last week) 1 in 60 have the virus ([link removed]) . The government’s Coronavirus dashboard ([link removed]) data does however show that cases are up 12.2% in the last 7 days, hospitalisations up 11.7% but most importantly, deaths down 24.8%. With cases on the rise and in light of upcoming Christmas parties, if you haven’t already scheduled your bivalent booster jab ([link removed]) , now is a good time to do so.

The key number remains 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

STREP A SCARE Over the past week or so I’ve been contacted by many parents regarding local availability of antibiotics, specifically penicillin. It’s entirely understandable for parents to be worried by reports of Scarlet Fever (caused by the bacterial infection Group A Streptococcus) in the community. Cases are being closely monitored across Surrey, but if your child has a sore throat, fever, headache, runny nose or rash, please take a look at this helpful guidance ([link removed]) from Frimley Health & Care before then calling your GP or attending A&E. This link contains an NHS traffic light guidance system to help you identify the next steps to take and when to seek medical help. Last week, I also wrote to Will Quince MP, Minister of State at DHSC (who is the Minister responsible for medicine supply) to gain further insight into current stock levels of this crucial medicine both locally and across the rest of
the UK.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE A little plug for a brilliant local support group in Haslemere called Grapevine which helps those in our community who have experienced a bereavement, whether recently or a little while ago. Members meet every Friday between 10am - 12pm at the Haslemere Methodist Church on Lion Green. For more information about this wonderful initiative, please call Nick in their office on 01428 644334.

GODALMING MUSEUM SUCCESS A huge well done to the fantastic team at Godalming Museum ([link removed]) (including Viv, Mary, Felicity & Rhiannon) for raising an impressive £700 at the recent Christmas Festival Godalming. We are very lucky to have this wonderful museum in the heart of the town. Do remember to pop into their shop over the next few weeks as they are currently selling some wonderful stocking fillers (at very competitive prices!). The museum is open each week - Thursday through to Sunday from 11am-3pm. They are also currently seeking new volunteers to join the team, so if of interest, click here ([link removed]) for more information and details of how to get in touch with Viv.

AND FINALLY… Despite Ryanair’s further meme ([link removed]) about England’s departure from the World Cup via the South Gate, we can all be incredibly proud of how the team handled Saturday’s defeat. The pressure on poor Harry Kane…but we are proud of all of you and one day football WILL come home!

As always, if you know anyone (a friend or neighbour perhaps?) who might like to receive this email, please do forward it on. Anyone can sign up here ([link removed]) to receive them and can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the box below or emailing me.

This email and any attachments to it (the 'Email') are intended for a specific recipient(s) and its contents may be confidential, privileged and/or otherwise protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this Email in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or email, and delete it from your records. You must not disclose, distribute, copy or otherwise use this Email. Please note that email is not a secure form of communication and that the Conservative Party ('the Party') is not responsible for loss arising from viruses contained in this Email nor any loss arising from its receipt or use. Any opinion expressed in this Email is not necessarily that of the Party and may be personal to the sender.

Promoted by Sean Donovan-Smith on behalf of Jeremy Hunt MP and South West Surrey Conservatives, all at 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6TD.

============================================================

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
South West Surrey Conservative Association . 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road . Hindhead . Surrey, GU26 6TD . United Kingdom