I’m delighted that repair works to the Tumbling Weir in #Guildford are set to begin in late May.
I’ve worked closely with the National Trust & Guildford Borough Council to help ensure the much‑loved towpath can reopen for residents to enjoy once again!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey...
The Government has finally announced a ban on phones in schools. This is a policy that myself and my Lib Dem colleagues have been calling for, for years - it's a shame they needed to be dragged kicking and screaming.
news.sky.com/story/phone-...
I have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government about the increasing number of unauthorised development issues happening in #Guildford and our villages - developments that represent an orchestrated attempt to evade normal planning rules.
Great to be out knocking on doors today for our fantastic Guildford South East candidates for the West Surrey Council elections. Lots of support for them!
It was great to be able to ask two questions of Ministers in Parliament this week alongside other constituency work and the final committee sessions for the Representation of the People Bill.
West Horsley Youth Council is hosting a clothes swap at West Horsley Village Hall tomorrow.
This is a great chance to pass on items you no longer wear and pick up something new, cutting waste and support a sustainable local community.
If you're in the area, I'd highly encourage you to head along!
On Saturday I visited the Wey Valley Swim Club's 24-hour sponsored swim in memory of Richard Hennings.
I'm delighted that they have smashed their £10,500 fundraising target raising an incredible £15,329!
There's still time to show your support👇
www.justgiving.com/page/swim-fo...
Youth services were decimated under the previous Conservative Government, with funding reduced by approximately 70%.
I pressed the Local Government Minister to ensure that local government reorganisation doesn't result in a continued reduction in youth provision.
The Howard of Effingham community is deeply disappointed after developers withdrew from a long‑promised new school build. Today, I tried to get a Prime Ministers Question on this. Whilst I was unsuccessful on this occasion, I want to reassure all those affected it is at the top of my priority list.
I helped to found the food project at St John’s, and I am proud to see so many fantastic local organisations working together.
If you need support, Guildford Foodbank has a very useful Signposting tool which includes food and other services👇
www.guildfordfoodbank.org/signposting
Our local community is understandably upset and angry about Berkley Homes decision to pull out of a 12-year commitment to build a new Howard of Effingham school. Today, I raised this with the Housing Minister who has agreed to meet with me.
This is not just a victory for the people of Hungary, but for all those around the world who believe in international cooperation, democracy and the rule of law 🇭🇺
Parliament has been in recess over the past couple of weeks, but the hard work hasn’t stopped.
Together with my team, we have supported thousands of local residents through casework - including through casework surgeries like the one I held on Friday afternoon.
Here are some recent successes...
Information about the sponsored swim.
Wey Valley Swim Club are just hours away from completing their 24 hour sponsored relay swim in memory of Richard Hennings, a long term club member, who tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during training last July. I popped along yesterday to give my support.
Cooler than during the week, but still a really warm reception on doorstep this morning with lots of support for our brilliant Guildford West candidates Julia McShane and James Steel.
Wey Valley Swim Club are underway on their 24 hour sponsored relay swim at #Guildford Spectrum in memory of Richard Hennings, who tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during training last July.
Please support them if you can👇
www.justgiving.com/page/swim-fo...
I had a wonderful afternoon taking some seniors from Guildford Boys Brigade on a tour of Parliament this week.
Meeting the next generation and helping the learn more about politics is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job – and this was no exception!
Many of you will have used the ‘South Field’ to walk – a group of residents are gathering the necessary evidence for the path to be added as a recorded public right of way.
If you would like to support this application, please email southfieldwalkers@gmail.com for the form.
I'm delighted that the Liberal Democrats launched our local election campaign in #Guildford constituency!
It was a pleasure to welcome Ed Davey to wonderful East Horsley, as we look to build on sustained success in elections locally in recent years.
Watch👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Ln...
Delighted to be out in Bellfields today with our fantastic Guildford North candidates for the West Surrey Council election - Katie Steel and Masuk Miah. As a former councillor (and resident) for this area it was good to be able to help introduce them to people - they will make excellent councillors.
Alongside my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I have written to Councillor Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, to express our concern about Surrey County Council's substantial and concerning withdrawal of support for carers and families across Surrey.
Easter is a very special time of the year.
With all the challenges facing the world at the moment, this year it feels particularly important to take time to celebrate life and hope.
Whether you are marking the occasion or not, I wish you and your family a joyful day.
It's really important that everyone has the opportunity to vote in elections. That means ensuring provisions are in place so that polling stations are accessible to all. I asked Richard Mawrey KC what challenges he sees for people with a wide range of disabilities being able to use their vote.
Engaging with young people is one of the most enjoyable parts of my role. Last week I was privileged to visit students at Howard of Effingham school, hosting an assembly for year 8 students, a Q&A with the politics club, and speaking with A level politics students about being an MP.
Crypto donations to political parties carry the risk of bad actors gaining influence over our democracy.
During the Representation of the People Bill Committee, I asked Alexander Browder - author of "Confronting the Illicit Finance Hydra in Crypto Markets" - for guidance to counter this risk.
Regular casework surgeries are a hugely important part of my role as MP for Guildford and our villages - last Friday I had the pleasure of meeting constituents at the King George V Hall in Effingham.
If you need my support, you can reach me at zoe.franklin.mp@parliament.uk.
I support devolution and reorganisation where it strengthens communities, but changes must be locally led, properly consulted on, adequately funded and never top-down.
The Government's current approach fails to address fundamental issues and undermines trust between national and local government.
This week has been particularly busy working with my staff team on casework issues impacting local people and communities. Some very upsetting situations but I'm glad to be able to support and advocate for my residents in my role as #Guildford's MP.
I'm shocked and angered by the news this week that Berkeley Homes have withdrawn their plans to build a new school in addition to new homes in Effingham. My statement below.
