GOOD AFTERNOON & welcome to my weekly update no.323
 

Last week was dominated by the Trump visit - didn’t the King do us proud? It felt all the more impressive given they cannot really be soulmates, not least on Charles’ big passion, namely climate change. Locally residents are up-in-arms about the latest unauthorised encampment in Bramley as well as the loss of the pub in Alfold and the butchers in Godalming. 
 

WESTMINSTER WHISPERS
 

BRITAIN AT ITS BEST Images of Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK were plastered over our TV screens last week, and whether it was the wonderful ceremonial welcome – including a 41-gun salute and a flypast – or the lavish state banquet in St George's Hall, it was smooth British diplomacy at its best. Donald Trump has a soft spot for us, as I said on Sky News, and we are right to use it as best we can. The biggest practical outcome was the pledge from US tech firms to invest £150bn into the UK in the next few years – including £22bn from Microsoft - without any apparent concessions as I said on The World Tonight. But behind the scenes we will have been edging him closer to support for Ukraine which were hinted at by Trump’s comment that Putin has let him down. We should follow his call to stop buying any oil/gas from Russia with sanctions against those who do. The best speech of the week on Putin was from our own outgoing head of MI6, Sir Richard Moore, who I worked closely with at the Foreign Office. Well worth a read.
 

DEBT DOOM-LOOP Budget speculation is now in full swing and last week in the Telegraph, I argued UK debt should worry Rachel Reeves more than tax rises. With UK debt at nearly 100% of GDP, the average household pays £3,900 each year in tax not for schools or the NHS but just to pay interest on our national debt. Check out my video below. I also talked about budget pressures on Times Radio’s How to Win an Election, where I said Keir Starmer needs to start winning some big battles fast if he is to recover from a very weak position.

PALESTINIAN RECOGNITION Over the weekend, the UK together with Canada and Australia, formally recognised the state of Palestine. I feel very torn on this issue. Yes I don’t want to do anything that could be seen to reward terrorism (and it was unnerving to see the decison welcomed by Hamas) but I also recognise that Netanyahu has been trying to tear up the two state solution which in my judgement is the only long term way to achieve peace. 

THE NHS IS STILL HERE despite all the international news and it was brilliant to speak candidly at the Health Service Journal's Patient Safety Congress about my time as Health Secretary, what I would do differently and what we now need if we are to turn it round.

LOCAL LIFE
 

WHY NO STOP NOTICE FROM GUILDFORD when we had an unauthorised encampment in a field off Unstead Lane close to Shalford/Bramley, adding to my already full inbox regarding planning enforcement action (or apparent lack of) on sites in Compton (GBC), and Stovolds Hill (WBC). Following coverage in the Daily Mail, BBC and Cllr Jane Austin on GB News I have now been contacted by frustrated people from all over the country asking why no one seems to be doing anything to address unauthorised encampments like this which are popping up all over the UK. It is absolutely infuriating to see the law being ignored this way. I’m meeting the CEO later today and will report back but in the meantime take a look and sign this petition set up by locals calling on GBC to act …. and this petition calling for national legislation to be strengthened. I will be signing and taking this up in parliament. 
 

PUBS ON THE EDGE Very sad to learn today of the closure of the Three Compasses in Alfold. This comes hot on the heels of the Wheatsheaf in Bramley and the Dog and Pheasant in Brook as the latest pub closing their doors in Godalming and Ash. Labour’s squeeze on the hospitality industry is really biting. In April they slashed business rates relief for pubs from 75% down to 40%, leaving landlords facing significantly higher costs. At the same time, steep minimum wage increases and an extra 2% on employers’ National Insurance contributions are all piling pressure onto already stretched overheads. Add to this the reduced passing trade since the closure of access to Dunsfold aerodrome, and it is no wonder the Three Compasses joins so many cherished local pubs who are struggling to survive. The British Beer & Pub Association estimates that in 2025 around 378 pubs will close across the UK – that’s one every single day…with local village pubs that are under the greatest strain.
 

MANDIRA’S KITCHEN is always delicious. They do amazing Indian ready meals, and I thoroughly recommend paying a trip to the cafe near Silent Pool. But Mandira and team had a distressing experience last week after being visited by 11 immigration officers even though all workers were totally legal as Mandira explains here. Described as a ‘routine licensing check’ by Surrey Police, this looked heavy handed so I will raise it with Surrey Chief Tim De Meyer. 
 

SURGERY CALLS My first call was to the CEO of Headway, a brain injury charity in Guildford, which is very sadly likely to close. This is unbelievably sad news as anyone with family members who have had brain injuries knows what a brilliant job they do. I am going to raise it with Surrey County Council but please get in touch with Maggee Fulleylove ([email protected])if you feel you can help. I then spoke to a Godalming resident about issues with maintenance in her flat in Chapelfields and a total lack of action over five years from the managing agent - which I will raise with the CEO.
 

FARNHAM CHARITY BIKE RIDE RAISES THOUSANDS A group of amazing fundraisers including fantastic neighbouring MP, Greg Stafford have raised over £3800 (and rising) for the Royal Surrey Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre. Massive thanks to all those who took part yesterday in the annual event which sees riders take part to raise funds for a variety of good causes. You can still make a donation to Greg’s fundraising campaign.
 

ASH GREEN - SPEEDING? My team were out speaking to residents in Ash Green on Saturday - thanks to everyone who shared their views! A lot of residents brought up the issue of speeding on White Lane, particularly in the 30mph residential area, so I’m going to look into the matter and raise it with local County Councillor Matt Furniss.