I am listening to you, your current MP has not and is not
What are your biggest concerns?
We asked the constituents in Esher & Walton – and you answered…
The main job of an MP is to listen to then represent the people in their constituency. That’s why Monica Harding’s team carried out a constituency-wide survey - calling on residents across Esher and Walton and asking them to fill out a short questionnaire - during the weeks before the general election was called, to identify their worries on local and national issues.
If you’re travelling through any of our local stations this week, you may well have been offered the results in technicolour-leaflet form: 15,000 of these will be distributed by hand to commuters by our wonderful army of campaign volunteers.
“The next generation have been left to fend for themselves”: survey results are in
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The good news is that respondents’ concerns broadly speaking match your candidate’s – but lots needs to change to give everyone in Esher & Walton the environment, economy and public services they deserve. But, as Harding says: “It’s a challenge I’m certainly ready for.”
Our local services need help
Over 80% of people surveyed placed the NHS in their top four issues, with concerns about our schools and education not far behind. If you’re a parent in Esher & Walton, you know the schools are under resourced. If you have needed to call on the NHS in recent years, you’ll know that our brilliant doctors and nurses are working far too many hours with far too few resources. They do a fantastic job despite this.
Here’s some of what constituents said:
"Healthcare is paramount. A walk in centre local to Elmbridge is a way forward.”
"We need more GPs – my local surgery is not good.”
"I'm a primary school head teacher and do not believe current government policy has education’s best interests at heart."
"We currently are in the catchment area for one senior school only and the places are full. We are then put at the bottom of the list for any other schools we apply for.”
"We need money for youth clubs, activities and support. It's as if the next generation have been left to fend for themselves."
Harding says: “Good healthcare looks after our quality of life in the present and helps to prevent the burden of ill health in the future. Good education sets this community up for a flourishing future. We will invest in both.”
Brexit matters. And we need to remain
The survey results ranked the importance of eight issues, including Brexit, education and the environment. Three out of five respondents placed Brexit first or second on their list, making it the hottest topic on everyone’s minds.
Brexit dictates not just our own financial futures but also the viability of our local services.
What do constituents think about Brexit? Given Esher & Walton voted 60% remain in the 2016 referendum, it’s no surprise that over three-quarters of respondents are Remainers and 16% Leavers. Most believe we’re better off in.
If the Lib Dems win a majority, they’d revoke article 50: a majority government indicates a clear democratic mandate for this policy. Otherwise, we advocate a second referendum with Remain on the ballot paper.
Harding says: “We must stop Brexit. A No-Deal Brexit will not only hit each and every one of us in our pockets, but it also means a huge loss of funds that we could invest to improve local public services.”
“Your voice in Westminster”
That’s what Dominic Raab frequently styles himself as. But, representation? What representation? Feedback from the survey showed only 4% feel Raab represented them. In fact, over 61% of respondents said that, despite being their MP in Esher & Walton for nearly a decade, Raab ‘rarely or never’ represents their interests.
Here’s what people wrote:
"I and my neighbours have all been burgled within the last 12 months. This is what I wrote to Raab about and, despite being promised a response in June, I am still waiting.”
"I don't expect an MP to represent every constituent, but they should listen.”
“Abhorrent views on foodbank use, working people being lazy.”
"No actions on children's centre closure – crucial for young families. No attendance at hustings, no engagement with community, first action on being elected was to seek to have his email address made confidential.”
“I want someone who is approachable and interested in the details of the lives of the people in the constituency.”
Harding says: “We deserve better. I’ll reinstate local surgeries abandoned by Dominic Raab and make myself available for people to voice their concerns and have their say. I will tackle the issues that matter to you and regularly report back to my constituents on the progress we make.”
The environment and our green belt is under threat
From the catastrophe that is climate change to the noise and air pollution from Heathrow expansion, to the state of repair of local roads and pavements and the threat to the green belt – it’s no wonder the environment came third in the overall ranking of issues.
Here’s what people said:
"We need action on climate change that is realistic – ie better recycling facilities.”
"We need to stop over development of this area – there are too many new buildings on protected / green space.”
“Bad pavements are a big problem locally."
"Heathrow expansion is a massive problem for Molesey. The new 'experimental' flight paths are very loud.”
"Someone needs to address the appalling traffic and over development in and around Walton…”
“More charging points for electric vehicles.”
Monica says: “I support the campaign to stop Heathrow Expansion and to put in place policies that put sustainable growth at the heart of a successful future.” And in the general election, environmental policies are central to the Lib Dem’s manifesto.
We’re not sick of experts
Finally, one quote summed up constituent’s frustrations with politics – and politicians, particularly in this new era of ideology before pragmatism: “I don't care what is popular – it's what is right for the country or constituency. The job of an MP is find out from experts what is best and then explain to their constituents why (particularly if the policy is likely to be unpopular).”
Monica Harding, as your MP, will do what’s best for constituents with every decision and every vote she makes, based on evidence and expert judgement. And she’ll be available regularly in the constituency to discuss and explain each decision.