Last Sunday was Remembrance Day, an important occasion for communities across the country to come together and honour those who have died in war and conflict, and to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community. Their service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

I was honoured to lay a wreath in the town square at the foot of the war memorial and join others in marking this moment of collective remembrance.

At a time when conflicts continue to rage around the world, it is more important than ever that we reflect on the past and learn from the courage, resilience and selflessness of those who came before us.

It was heartening to see our community come together, and I would like to thank our local cadets, Scouts, and other groups for their contribution to the day.

I am also grateful to the Woking Ladies Choir and the Salvation Army Corps Band for their beautiful performances, which added so much to the occasion.

The previous weekend, I attended the Brookwood Last Post, listened to the bugles, and paid my respects to those who gave their lives in the world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Events such as these remind us not only of the cost of war, but also of the strength, unity and compassion that define our community. I am incredibly proud to represent Woking and to stand alongside residents who continue to ensure that the memory of those who served, sacrificed and fell will never fade.

While Remembrance Sunday provided an opportunity to reflect on service, sacrifice and community, the previous week brought the Chancellor's Budget and questions about the future facing families across Woking.

Woking residents continue to struggle with rising household bills, higher food prices and increasing costs on our high streets. Yet this Budget offered little to address these everyday concerns or provide the long-term plan needed to grow the economy and improve living standards.

I was particularly disappointed that the Government has once again failed to reform business rates, despite repeated promises to support struggling high streets. Local businesses are the backbone of our community, but many continue to face significant financial pressures while waiting for meaningful reform.

Education was also notably absent from the Chancellor's plans. With Surrey's SEND system under enormous strain and many local schools already facing stretched budgets, it is concerning that there was no significant investment to help ensure every child can access the support and opportunities they deserve.

The same can be said for healthcare. Despite long waiting lists, difficulties accessing NHS dental care and continued pressures on GP services, there was little in the Budget to reassure patients that improvement is on the way. Residents deserve a health service that is there when they need it.

For many people in Woking, this Budget will change very little. Families will still be worrying about household bills, businesses will still be facing rising costs, and local services will continue to operate under intense pressure.

We deserve a government that understands the challenges that people are facing and is prepared to act.

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