You know how serious the threat of climate change is and the potential consequences for our planet if action is not taken. That's why it's vital that MP's back the UK's recent Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, soon to be debated in Parliament.
As Liberal Democrats, we have pledged to be greener, fairer and more caring in the way we serve Mole Valley communities. This Lib Dem Council administration cares about community and understands the importance of listening when local residents express genuine concerns about issues that are important to them. During the course of the last few weeks, for example, there has been much discussion over the future of the Dorking BMX Track, with new and varying concerns coming to light from local people and users of the track. Consequently, we have decided to withdraw the current BMX report and recommendations from consideration by the Cabinet at its meeting on 22nd June. This will allow more time to explore all the views and discuss a future course of action on what is clearly an important issue to members of our community.
Due to necessary social distancing requirements, the Annual Meeting of Mole Valley took place, not in the council chamber, but in the Large Hall of the Dorking Halls. It reminded everyone of an exam room with each councillor sat at a separate table. But the atmosphere was lively as everyone was freed from their virtual zoom squares and back into the world of reality.
This is quite a historic and welcome occasion - the first meeting in person of Councillors for over a year. I have certainly missed the interaction of debate and discussion between members which cannot be replicated in a virtual environment. I would like to thank our officers for making this possible - the establishment of a safe and secure meeting place was no easy task, but as with the elections, and the challenging circumstances that we have experienced over the past year or so, they have found and implemented a way forward and we are very grateful for the work that they have done.
The Lib Dems retain control of Mole Valley District Council following a successful local election campaign. This reflects public confidence in the work our team has been doing over the last two years and means we can continue our progressive agenda for the benefit of all residents.
I have written with Lib Dem MPs in Surrey to the Department for Education, stating how we have lost confidence in Surrey County Council and it's ability to deliver SEND services. We request the Secretary of State intervenes immediately.
Chris praises work of local campaigners in holding UKOG to account.
Last night Chris was on Ian Dale’s LBC show talking about the national crisis in special needs provision and what a better special needs education system might look like.
Chris Coghlan MP for Dorking & Horley interviewed September 20th on BBC Radio Surrey about the ongoing works in Dorking's West Street.
Chris Coghlan, MP for Dorking & Horley, and Hazel Watson, County Councillor, visited the site of the sinkhole in Dorking’s West Street, and are keeping up the pressure on Thames Water to fix the issue.
Years of Conservative cuts have hollowed out the legal aid system, leaving millions without access to timely legal advice. Our new policy will legal aid a guaranteed right, ensure no one is left without help.
![New Homes [Image: Tim Prater]](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/a/csm_newhomes_23c101933f.jpg)
Millions of people are still trapped in England’s broken leasehold system. Our plan will end the leasehold rip-off, strengthen building safety, and give residents the control, fairness, and dignity they deserve in their own homes.
Hong Kongers living in the UK, and across the world, face an increasingly robust and alarming campaign of transnational repression from Beijing. Our new policy will protect pro-democracy activists and ensure this intimidation has no place in the UK.
