Pictured in the photo (left to right) is Louise Lee, the Chief Executive of The Howard Partnership trust and James Baker, the Head of the Howard of Effingham School. 2/2

It’s outrageous that Berkley Homes have u-turned on their commitment to build a new Howard school, affecting 100s of children in my constituency. I continue to support the work of the Howard School’s MP, Zöe Franklin, to ask the Government to intervene and challenge Berkley Homes. 1/2

The drains have now been cleared, inspected, and measures put in place to stop tree roots causing further blockages. This should have been resolved sooner, but I’m glad it’s now been fixed. 2/2

Flooding into people’s homes in Fetcham has been fixed after local councillors and I pushed Thames Water to act. Blocked drains caused sewage to back up, and residents were ignored for years by Thames Water and Surrey Highways, with both passing blame to each other. 1/2

Really pleased Betchworth Water Tower is back in service, ahead of schedule and after £600k of work by SES. I asked SES to fix the tower after people told me about frequent water outages at a village hall event. Thank you to SES.

They agreed that the current situation in the Middle East should not be used to finance Putin. 2/2

On Friday the United States agreed to extend the partial lift on sanctions on Russian oil exports. I asked the government if they agree that this decision helps Russia fund their illegal and murderous war in Ukraine, working directly against national security interests. 1/2

This is an opportunity to discuss local issues, share your views and connect with neighbours. Whether you have something specific to raise or just want to be part of the conversation, I’d be very glad to see you there. 2/2

I'll be in Abinger between on Monday 27th April between 19:30 - 21:00 for an evening of conversation and questions. 1/2

Our next SEND parent/carer support coffee morning will be on Monday 27th of April at Horley Community Centre between 10 - 12:00pm. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Horley Arts Festival are hosting some great events between the 16th and 28th of April www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk/events

If the government wants to know what SEND parents think about cuts to their children’s rights they simply need to watch this. 3/3

I’m very grateful that the Minister came to Dorking, and I think she is serious about SEND reform, but she must listen to parents and finally act on Surrey’s routine lawbreaking. 2/3

At my SEND coffee morning, covered on ITV, parents expressed a wave of anger about cuts to their children’s legal protections from Local Authority misconduct and Surrey County Council’s lawbreaking to the School’s Minister Georgia Gould. This included a mum whose daughter lost her life. 1/3

I asked the government how they plan to boost credit, raise research and development, and grow the economy. I will also be meeting with the Minister to discuss this further. 2/2

Green innovation offers hope to tackle climate change without lowering living standards. Research from Nobel Laureate Philippe Aghion and John Van Reenen shows that green firms are short of credit. 1/2

UK economy could gain £30bn a year from higher defence spending EY analysis shows increased defence investment could lift UK output, support research and development, and create lasting productivity gains

...to upgrade UK GDP forecasts by £11bn a year. Increasing defence r&d can both address our economic stagnation and defend our country in a turbulent world. 2/2

www.thetimes.com/article/2237...

The Times is reporting EY findings that increased defence spending could raise GDP by £30bn a year. In the 2025 Spring Statement the Chancellor used academic research I’d suggested from London Business School’s Paolo Surico on defence research and development... 1/2

In depth: SEND 'listening exercise' sparks scepticism Government spindoctors are hard at work attempting to render controversial SEND reforms palatable to MPs and affected families. Fears about the authenticity of the government's 'listening' exercises a...

This apparent manipulation will only damage parents’ trust further who are already worried that the government is weakening their children’s SEND legal rights.

www.lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/i... 2/2

In depth: SEND 'listening exercise' sparks scepticism Government spindoctors are hard at work attempting to render controversial SEND reforms palatable to MPs and affected families. Fears about the authenticity of the government's 'listening' exercises a...

I’m deeply disturbed that the Law Gazette has reported that Labour MPs have received suggestions to tell the Education Secretary that there is ‘relief’ from parents that the government is strengthening support in response to the current consultation on the SEND White Paper. 1/2

Add your name to the petition here: www.chriscoghlan.org/petitio.../b...

Dorking is only 21 miles from London, yet it takes an hour to travel there by train. 1,900 people signed my petition calling for a fast train and in response, South Western Railway said they will look into it. I will also be meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss this further.

📍Abinger Hamer Village Hall, Dorking, RH5 6QX 

This is an opportunity to discuss local issues, share your views and connect with neighbours. Whether you have something specific to raise or just want to be part of the conversation, I’d be very glad to see you there.

2/2

After a successful event in Horley on Monday, I’ll be in Abinger on Monday 27th April for an evening of conversation and questions.

🕥19:30 – 21:00
19:30 – short introduction
19:45 – 21:00 – open Q&A 

1/2

for the new Defence Security and Resilience Bank to improve this. I’m pleased to see that multilateral negotiations are now going ahead giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... . 2/2

The UK is the third highest defence spender in NATO, but our actual defence capability and output suggests otherwise. I asked the Chancellor to join Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s calls for the UK to participate in charter negotiations... 1/2

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight in Horley.

If you are planning on driving to the event, please make sure you park at the Innes Pavilion Car Park nearby, as Horley Baptist Church car park has limited spaces. The nearest bus stop is opposite the church car park on Court Lodge Road.

Next month I’ll be writing to the Conservative run Surrey County Council about this.

Fill out my pothole experience survey: digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/KXSFymh1 .

Report potholes here: tellus.surreycc.gov.uk. 2/2

The pothole by Debbie’s house was filled last month but is already disintegrating. A new one has appeared next to it. Like many, she is sick of spending a fortune in council tax for pothole-ridden roads. 1/2

Delighted and relieved that the government has finally committed to change the law on this.

A major step forward for protecting young people, and a testament to the efforts and determination of Fiona Laskaris and Chris Coghlan 👇