tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34487356575565200922024-03-05T14:38:37.274+00:00Dom Raab's BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-61731907050866674522015-12-11T08:07:00.004+00:002015-12-11T08:07:41.379+00:00Christmas Deliveries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning, first thing, I dropped by the Esher and Molesey Royal Mail delivery office. It's an opportunity to see first hand just how busy our local postmen and women get at this time of year.</div>
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Mark Peters, the office manager, showed me round, how the systems work, and the kinds of challenges they have to grapple with - from rotweilers to bad handwriting on envelopes. I met a few of his team in the process. Good luck to all our postmen and women at this festive but hectic time!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-77529385268770125342015-12-09T16:16:00.001+00:002015-12-09T16:16:40.442+00:00Government Consultation on South West Trains<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Following
its decision to seek a new operator to take over from South West Trains in
mid-2017, the government has launched a consultation questionnaire to give
local people the chance to have their say on our rail services and make
suggestions for improvements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
questionnaire covers a wide range of issues, from the overall priorities people
want to see the new operator address, such as overcrowding, value for money,
and reliability of service, to matters such as ticketing, the layout of trains
and improvements to specific stations and journeys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The consultation document can be read <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/477307/south-western-stakeholder-consultation.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>,</span> and the consultation survey completed <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PBMTHYB">here </a>(the
deadline for responses is 9<sup>th</sup> February 2016). I would encourage
everyone with concerns about overcrowding and the value-for-money of our local
rail services to respond and have your say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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will submit directly to the consultation, and continue to push for action to
tackle overcrowding and a fairer financial deal, as I have since becoming the
MP for Esher & Walton constituency in 2010. But, the more responses the
Department of Transport receives from Elmbridge, the better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Although
train services are of particular importance to Elmbridge, given our proximity
to London and the number of people who commute daily for work, the South West
Trains network covers a wide area, stretching as far as Portsmouth, Dorset,
Somerset and even as far as Exeter and Bristol. Each of these areas will have
their own set of priorities for investment and improvement, so it is important
that we take this opportunity to make Elmbridge’s voice heard loud and clear.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-15349202827719363362015-12-08T15:28:00.003+00:002015-12-08T15:28:49.168+00:00Elmbridge Community Fund comes to Parliament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Thursday, I hosted an event at the House of Commons to spread awareness of the Elmbridge Community Fund, a local fund designed to raise funds to provide grants to help local groups and charities supporting pockets of social need in Elmbridge. We were joined by local panelists - including Chair Richard Waller, Wendy Varcoe from the Community Foundation for Surrey, entrepreneur Tony Kelly and Walton Charity's Jackie Lodge - and many others interested in supporting the initiative.</div>
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As well as trying to spread the word, we were honoured to have the High Sheriff for Surrey, Elizabeth Kennedy, present our third grant to SAY Youth Club in Cobham (pictured below). From stroke victims, those who have suffered domestic abuse, and groups providing positive activities for youngsters, the Elmbridge Community Fund can shine a light on neighbourhoods in need of a helping hand across our borough.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-28599954086780095232015-12-05T12:04:00.002+00:002015-12-05T12:04:47.686+00:00Small Business Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I joined Sue Towner and a team from the Federation of Small Businesses in Claygate for Small Business Saturday. We started off at Trew Art, pictured below, and toured the parade. Small Busines Saturday is a great opportunity to hear from small businesses (from art galleries to the local butcher), see what's going on along the high street, and promote local retailers. We discussed issues ranging from off-street parking to devolution of business rates, and it was terrific to see the parade going from strength to strength.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-68264318408267102152015-12-01T12:15:00.000+00:002015-12-01T12:15:00.127+00:00The Esher College Success Story ...Last week, I visited Dan Dean (Principal) and Terry Price (Chair of Governors) at Esher College. After really feeling the pinch of the public financial pressures in recent years, it was good to be able to meet up after the Chancellor's Spending Review, with news that the national base rate funding per student in colleges will be protected.<br />
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The Chancellor also opened up further opportunities for colleges like Esher College to gain more autonomy and gain extra money (from recovering the cost of VAT) through academy status.<br />
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Above all, it was a chance to celebrate the college's amazing results compared to other colleges and schools - including private ones - nationally. In terms of A Level passes, Esher College scores in the top 10 of all Sixth Form Colleges, and has a higher proportion of students going onto secure first class or upper second class degrees than the average pupil from private schools. It also has 9% more students gaining firsts from the Russell Group of universities than private schools. These are fantastic achievements we should celebrate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-90434114392515479622015-11-27T12:04:00.001+00:002015-11-27T12:05:51.006+00:00Dropping in on the Esher CAB Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I dopped by Esher Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to talk to their Manager Linda Wheatley, (new) Deputy Manager Sarah Waite, and meet some of the client advisers (as pictured, with Michelle and David, below).</div>
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I have huge admiration and respect for the role and dedication of our local CABs, as early warning radars for local social problems, and I know the period before and immediately after Christmas can lead to a spike in demand for their services. </div>
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The team briefed me on a few of their concerns, including social housing - and particularly the lack of available and affordable housing stock for elderly people looking to downsize. We discussed local court reforms, and access to justice. I pointed to the positives from this week's Spending Review, including investment in housing, and very high local levels of employment. We also discussed debt and related financial issues. I was very grateful to Linda and her team for taking the time.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-33967500413710659382015-11-21T09:56:00.003+00:002015-11-21T09:56:55.440+00:00Sunbury and Walton Sea Cadets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night, I popped in on TS Black Swan, headquarters of Sunbury and Walton Sea Cadets. Commanding Officer, John Kelly, and Chair of Trustees, Gail Cramp, introduced me to their local team, gave me an update on the cadets' latest and upcoming activities, and briefed me on the refurbishment since last year's floods, which created huge disruption for them.</div>
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I met all the cadets, and asked them what they enjoyed about the Sea Cadets, and also what they found the greatest challenge. I also looked in, as two of the more senior cadets led sessions for anti-bullying week.</div>
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I am a huge fan of what Sunbury & Walton Sea Cadets offer to local youngsters, in terms of practical training, life skills and self-confidence. A lot of volunteers give up an enormous amount of time to give the cadets some brilliant training, take them out on the water and offer all sorts of excursions and programs all over the country. It is one of my favourite local community groups. They are still getting back on their feet after the floods, so if any local businesses are looking for a worthy community cause, I would thoroughly recommend checking them out.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-821905615590126402015-11-20T11:29:00.001+00:002015-11-20T11:30:42.999+00:00Healthwatch SurreyToday, I met up with Kate Scribbens (new Chief Executive of <a href="http://www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk/">Healthwatch Surrey</a>), and Matthew Parris (Evidence and Insights Manager). Healthwatch Surrey was set up to give patients a voice in local policy-making.<br />
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At our meeting, we discussed a recent Healthwatch Surrey survey on patients views around the sharing of records - and the balance of expectations between wanting efficient services, and concerns around safety and confidentiality.<br />
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We also discussed local GP practices, and the critical challenge of ensuring surgeries provide an effective appointment-making process whilst also conveying a reasonable sense of expectations to patients. Healthwatch Surrey will feed their findings in to the work Surrey County Council and the local Clinical Commissioning Groups are doing in both of these areas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-75900766265134229912015-11-17T10:05:00.002+00:002015-11-17T10:05:27.665+00:00Bake Off in Thames Ditton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Friday, I popped in on Venson Automotive Solutions, where employee Steve Wall had organised an in-house 'bake-off' competition to raise money for Children in Need. As pictured below, I joined MD Samantha Roff and Sharon Evans (from the Lime Tree Cafe) to judge the finalists - which, yes, did involve extensive sampling!</div>
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Christina (far left) was victorious with an amazing sponge cake decorated with fruit, and the overall standard was amazing. Hats off to Samantha, Steve and everyone at the company for taking the time and effort to put in such a competitive - but equally civic-minded! - effort to raise money for charity.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-79705147517184977772015-11-13T08:18:00.003+00:002015-11-13T08:18:49.571+00:00Flights Overhead From Heathrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week, I met up with Nigel Milton (Heathrow's Director for External Affairs) and Cheryl Monk (Heathrow's Head of Community Relations), along with Molesey Councillor Steve Bax (who sits on Heathrow's local Noise Community Forum). The meeting was part of an ongoing dialogue since last year's highly disruptive flight trial paths over Molesey (and Walton). I live under the path, so I hear the noise first hand. Two interesting points emerged from the meeting in that regard. First, no further flight path trials are (at least currently) planned across the same areas. Second, Heathrow have sought independent verification of the noise levels, using a Dutch firm, given the discrepancy between what some residents are reporting and Heathrow's data. My strong sense is that noise levels have reduced significantly, but there have also been a lot of 'Easterly Operations' lately, which increase noise levels, dictated by weather conditions.</div>
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Of course, there is a much bigger issue looming, namely the decision on expansion of airport capacity, following the Davies Report. I have made clear that I am scrutinising the Davies Report carefully, including testing the economic and environmental assumptions - both pros and cons - with business groups, local authorities, and other groups. </div>
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As part of that process, I particularly want to test the assumption that a 3rd runway could be developed in a way that reduces noise levels (affecting Elmbridge and more generally). I want to check the facts and evidence very carefully before coming to a firm view, and I will feed my views, our community's interests and concerns into government, before a decision is taken.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-91310023959895275392015-11-11T21:19:00.004+00:002015-11-11T21:21:46.168+00:00Molehurst Women's Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight, I went along to Molehurst Women's Club to speak to their members. This local club, based in West Molesey, is part of the National Association of Women's Clubs. They invited me to talk a little about my role as an MP (and now Minister), and also what I did before politics. We then had a lively discussion, with questions on everything from telephone monopolies to the lack of anonymity for defendants in rape trials. </div>
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After the discussion, their Chair - Stella Nicholas (pictured) - generously gave me a cheque from the club for the Elmbridge Community Fund. I was really touched by such a kind gesture, and extremely grateful for the opportunity to chat with all the Molehurst Women's Club members.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-10655816634445048322015-11-08T18:01:00.001+00:002015-11-08T18:01:36.847+00:00Remembrance SundayToday, I joined Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Esher. A large local throng joined members of the local church, Royal Legion, the three armed services and local councillors, as we laid wreaths at the war memorial. Reverend Stefan Collier led us in prayer, and the minute's silence was followed by a fitting tribute during the service at Christ Church. I read from Matthew Chapter 5, verses 1 to 12, which I always find very moving. The service finished with a stirring rendition of 'God Save the Queen'.<br />
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I find Remembrance Sunday one of the most poignant and humbling occasions in the calendar. Now more than ever, it retains its value in bringing the community together - young and old - to remember the sacrifices of those past and present who have served and continue to serve our country. I think we had even more members of the public attending, this year, than in previous ones. It shows the strong sense of civic pride we have in our community, and it was a great honour to be a part of the commemorations.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-650043527122800702015-10-31T14:40:00.000+00:002015-10-31T14:40:10.693+00:00Halloween Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With Halloween upon us, I dropped in earlier today on the Esher & Walton Conservative Women's Organisation's party, to judge 'best pumpkin' and 'best fancy dress' - from, what I should add, was a very competitive field. </div>
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Elise Dunweber and her team organised a great event, with games, music and a ghoulish Halloween atmosphere. Great fun, and well done to all those who got dressed up in such amazing outfits (Sofia, the pirate, came in first place!).</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-29675755189666964822015-10-26T14:43:00.001+00:002015-10-26T14:43:21.957+00:00Whiteley Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Friday, I visited Whiteley Village to catch up with Chair, Peter Wilkinson, Chief Executive, Chandra McGowan, and above all local residents. I was briefed on Whiteley's plans for the future, and some of their innovative ideas for making sure the retirement village continues, for the long-term, to deliver flexible and high quality housing and - where appropriate - wider nursing and other social support for residents.</div>
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I also chatted with some Whiteley residents (see below - Alan, Valerie, Mike, Josie and Jasmine) on their experience at Whiteley, and I heard about the range of activities keeping them busy and fit (from line-dancing to aerobics!). The meeting was, of course, also an opportunity for them to quiz me on local and national issues, and we discussed local policing, pension credits and housing benefit. As ever, I benefited hugely from their insights, and left Whiteley inspired and impressed by both the residents and the dedicated management team.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-55130862405691328462015-10-24T12:35:00.000+01:002015-10-25T09:29:38.982+00:00Thames Ditton Farmers' Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend, after longstanding efforts by local residents and businesses, Mark and Megan George managed to get the farmers' market to come to the George & Dragon pub car park in Thames Ditton. It was fabulous, with everything from jam to gin on sale (as well as the usual farm fare). </div>
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Farmers' markets are a great way to support our local traders and promote village identity, so I wasn't surprised to see how well attended it was. I went along with my 3 year old Peter, and formally opened the market with Tricia Bland and Sue Humphreys (as pictured below). Congratulations to all those involved - the market will return on the last Saturday of every month, so please help to spread the word!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-80271766261596535182015-10-16T12:26:00.001+01:002015-10-16T12:26:27.525+01:00Local Unemployment at Lowest Level for 9 Years<div class="MsoNormal">
The monthly unemployment figures published by the Office
for National Statistics this week, yet again, showed a welcome fall in national
unemployment. The unemployment rate is at its lowest since mid-2008, with more
people in work than ever before and average earnings rising by a healthy 3%. It
was particularly encouraging to see a sharp drop in youth unemployment, with
the number of unemployed 16-24 year-olds falling by 40,000, down by 5% from the
previous quarter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But, Esher & Walton constituency has done even
better! The local unemployment benefit claimant count (312) is now lower than
at any point since January 2006, falling by 30% over the last year alone. This
gives us the 8<sup>th</sup> lowest claimant rate of any parliamentary
constituency in the UK, with just 0.6% of the local working-age adult
population claiming unemployment benefit. Similarly, we have the joint
fifth-lowest claimant rate among 18-24 year-olds of any constituency in the
country.</div>
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It’s fantastic to see such
vibrant local job creation. It’s a credit both to the many entrepreneurs and
small businesses across the constituency, and the economic stability and
competitiveness the government has instilled since 2010. We need to keep
working hard to cut the deficit, cut taxes, and return the revenue from local
business rates back to the local community – that will make a big difference
here in Elmbridge. <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-69148811333981338702015-10-07T11:00:00.000+01:002015-10-07T11:00:00.047+01:00Local Round-UpI have been buzzing around locally over the last fortnight. Amidst the various highlights, I caught up with Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group, which coordinates and commissions local health services in Elmbridge. I reinforced the value and importance of providing support for local GP surgeries, and providing additional health services in the community - to take pressure off the major hospitals like Kingston. I registered the particular importance of this for their strategic review of local community hospitals - which will cover Cobham and Molesey hospitals.<br />
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I also caught up with Walton Charity Chief Executive, Jackie Lodge. We had an interesting discussion about local cost of living pressures across the borough, including around childcare availability and affordibility, affordable housing and the cost and reach of local public transport. Walton Charity have commissioned some research into this, which is welcome. It is certainly an issue for many on low and even middling incomes - not to mention key public sector workers we rely on.<br />
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Finally, for all the media portrayal of the tensions between government and the unions, I met up with Nick Lang, head of department at Hinchley Wood School and a NUT representative - a guy I have always found I can have a really good, insightful and constructive conversation with. Nick wanted to raise changes in the curriculum - especially around the Ebacc - and concerns around anxiety and depression amongst students generally. I talked through what the government is doing, and also took away some points to follow up on.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-2694414775256914682015-09-30T17:05:00.001+01:002015-09-30T17:05:12.837+01:00Ahmadiyya Muslim Association<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, amongst other things, I caught up with Nadim Vanderman (pictured below) and Shahbaz Bajwa from the Walton branch of the <a href="http://www.ahmadiyya.org.uk/">Ahmadiyya Muslim Association</a>. It now has around 130 members and describes itself as promoting the 'peaceful revival of Islam ... [enjoying] an unrivalled record for peace and effort to build cohesive societies'. </div>
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It is focused on education, integration and interfaith dialogue. Nadim and Shahbaz got in touch to ask how they might get their branch more involved in local civic initiatives including charitable fund-raising in Walton and across the borough. It was a real pleasure to meet them and hear more about their group and interests. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-51829029537640699342015-09-27T16:52:00.001+01:002015-09-27T16:52:41.969+01:00Elmbridge Food Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I took the family along to <a href="http://www.painshill.co.uk/elmbridge-food-festival/">Elmbridge Food Festival</a> at Painshill Park. In blissfull sunshine, the festival was teeming with people and stalls. From garlic graters to gluten free food, from German bratwurst to Spanish seafood, there was something for everyone. It was a great combination of Painshill's natural beauty and enough different tastes and smells to tempt the most curious of palates. A very relaxing way to spend the Sunday!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-52098770727005742952015-09-12T13:26:00.002+01:002015-09-12T13:26:11.691+01:00Walton Goose Faye & Heritage Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I joined Walton Goose Fayre and Walton Heritage Day for a wonderful celebration of the town. Local businesses and civic groups lined the river and Bridge Road (including Walton Rotary club, pictured below with Mike Brown and Rob Freeman). The Cobham Band were on fine form (as below), and there was a hog roast and homemade cakes on offer. Walton Conservatives were out in force. I joined Barbara Cowen, Racheal Lake and Andy Kelly at their stall by the river (pictured immediately below).</div>
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The most poignant moment was putting up a plaque to commemorate Sarah-Jane Shellard, the dynamic head of Walton Business Group, who passed away this year. Her friends and family joined the tribute. Sarah-Jane was an absolute sweetheart of a person. She was brilliant at keeping me in touch with retailers and business sentiment in Walton. A truly fantastic person, we'll miss here dearly and I was proud to see her recognised in the heart of the town. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-18656556022032475542015-09-03T09:41:00.001+01:002015-09-03T09:41:23.794+01:00MP's Pay Rise<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
the Conservative candidate for Esher & Walton during the general election
campaign, I made clear that I would not accept a pay rise for MPs, while
salaries for the rest of the public sector remained frozen or capped at 1%. Now,
re-elected as your MP, I will be true to my word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Every MP must come to their own decision – and be accountable
locally to voters for their position. Equally, I am not against a pay rise in
general. In truth, MPs’ pay was artificially held down for many years, while
pay in comparable public sector jobs increased. This creates a very real risk that
we end up deterring talented people from modest backgrounds from entering
politics. Pay for MPs is also now set by an independent body, not politicians
themselves. It was that body which proposed the current pay rise as part of a
package including less generous pensions and other cost-saving measures. My
specific objection is to the timing – I don’t think I can accept such a pay
rise, when all other public sector pay is frozen or capped at 1%.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Oddly, MPs cannot actually refuse this pay rise. So, I have </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">nominated
to donate my pay rise to the Elmbridge Community Fund (ECF). Why? Although
Elmbridge is sometimes caricatured as a universally wealthy borough, there are
pockets of very real disadvantage and many people need support. We also
historically have got a poor deal in terms of local funding from central
government – which the government has started to put right. Since being launched
in January, the ECF provides grants to support local community and voluntary
groups who are making a difference, such as Walton Stroke Group or Oasis
Children’s Centre (in Cobham).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
want the ECF to become a permanent fund and grow over time. I hope that this
contribution will provide more support for vulnerable neighborhoods or families and
communities across Elmbridge – and, above all, encourage other potential donors
to come forward to help us build this community fund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-64600634056331471712015-08-30T17:23:00.004+01:002015-08-30T17:23:49.773+01:00Remembering Waterloo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I went along to Painshill Park with the family. As well as enjoying the stunning grounds, the Napoleonic Association put on a fastic historic re-enactment of various aspects of the Battle of Waterloo - as detailed <a href="http://www.painshill.co.uk/napoleon-re-enactment/">here</a>. It was a great way to bring alive the reality of the battle. I sat with both my young sons watching the skirmish before us, pictured below, and they absolutely loved it. It's on again tomorrow, in case anyone is interested. I just hope we do as well against the French in the rugby next month!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-5631285461713177152015-08-13T18:35:00.000+01:002015-08-13T18:35:02.968+01:00National Citizen Service<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, I joined the National Citizen Service (NCS) for the third week of one of their summer programs - at Sandown Park in Esher. A team of 12 volunteers (16 - 17 year olds) from
across Surrey were working on the theme of social inclusion. Their first week involved them travelling to Devon, completing an
expedition and various rock climbing challenges as a team. </div>
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The second week involved them gaining a sense of independent
living by staying at the University of Surrey, budgeting and cooking for
themselves. During the daytime, they visited elderly care homes and disability
centres and used various skills such as media, photography, drama and enterprise
to interact with the service users.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In the third week, the team were tasked to create a campaign
idea of their choice based on an issue affecting Surrey that they want to
change. They came to Sandown to pitch for a pot of money to implement the campaign. I came along to see them rehearse for their Dragon's Den pitch, to a combination of councillors and business people, later in the week. The team - pictured below - had a great idea for a social media campaign to get youngsters involved in local community initiatives. Phil White (General Manager, Sandown Park) and I tried to give them a few pointers, as they practised their pitch. But, in truth, they combined a smart idea with a very credible presentation. We we very impressed with them, and the NCS.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-40244111324790558822015-07-22T10:23:00.002+01:002015-07-22T10:23:37.038+01:00Downside Nursery SportsdayLast Friday, I visited Krystyna Griffiths and her fabulous team at <a href="http://www.downsidenursery.co.uk/">Downside Nursery</a>, for their annual sportsday (pictured below). Many parents also joined the occasion, creating a wonderful atmosphere in the glorious sunshine. The children were fantastic - incredibly well-behaved, and very enthusiastic about the races! I also got the chance to catch up with Nifi Nima, the nursery's first apprentice, who has now completed her Level 2 in childcare development.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448735657556520092.post-84361635727133754082015-07-14T11:38:00.001+01:002015-07-14T13:14:32.400+01:00The Debate on Fox HuntingTomorrow, Parliament will debate a Statutory Instrument (SI) amending the 2004 Hunting Act. There are several changes, but the key one removes the current limit of two dogs that can be used to flush out foxes (and certain other animals) for the purposes of pest control.<br />
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This ninety-minute debate will be followed by a free vote. I will vote against the SI, because I believe it would effectively reverse the ban on hunting foxes with packs of dogs by the backdoor. I should say, at the outset, that there are strong views on all sides of this debate - which I respect. I have instinctive sympathy with groups like the Countryside Alliance, but I just don't agree with them on this issue. I would also point out that the SI does not purport to repeal the entire Hunting Act - so it (quite rightly, in my view) does not seek to revise things like the ban on hunting deer with dogs or hare coursing.<br />
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In fairness, it focuses in on a genuinely contentious question, namely: what is the means of controlling foxes as a pest, which subjects them to the least unnecessary suffering? I am no expert on what is quite a technical issue. So, since becoming an MP in 2010, I have proactively asked both sides of the debate to send me the various evidence on this issue. And my conclusion is based on an honest assessment of the evidence I have looked at.<br />
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It is clear that hunting foxes with dogs causes acute suffering to the fox. There is reasonable debate around other ways to effectively control foxes - by snares, shooting or other means. One aspect of the current debate has focused on whether shooting foxes might be both less effective and cause more suffering, because farmers and gamekeepers pursuing the fox cannot always kill it cleanly - which risks leaving a wounded animal to escape and/or die slowly under even worse conditions than being hunted by a pack of dogs. This is particularly germane to hilly terrain, where shooting can be less reliable.<br />
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Having looked again at this point, I have to say that I am not convinced that hunting foxes with a pack of dogs is substantially more effective or inflicts less suffering on the fox than shooting. The evidence - including the often cited study by the Federation of Welsh Farmers Packs - does not, in my view, bear this conclusion out. When the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs assessed that study in 2013, they were similarly unconvinced.<br />
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Equally, if the aim of the SI were really to make fox control more effective <u>and</u> more humane, why not propose raising the cap on the number of dogs that can be deployed to, say, ten rather than removing it altogether? I have had numerous conversations on all of these aspects over the last couple of months. In reality, the aim of the SI - which many of its supporters candidly concede - is to return to hunting foxes with packs of dogs as sport, rather than for pest control purposes. And I can't vote for that.<br />
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<b>Update: </b>The debate/ vote on the SI has been postponed - as reported <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33520547">here</a>.<br />
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