Dr Al Pinkerton MP's Newsletter - May 2025

Marking VE Day locally, contributing in Select Committees, holding constituency surgeries, and engaging in the debate on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill.

At the start of the month, local elections took place across the UK. In Surrey, however, they were cancelled by the County Council ahead of the transition to unitary authorities. I shared my insights on this development with BBC, Sky News, LBC, Times Radio, and GB News.

VE Day Celebrations

This month began with a week of 80th anniversary VE Day events. I had the honour of joining Normandy Parish Council to open the celebrations, delivering a speech on the remarkable stories of Normandy-born soldiers. We raised the flag and celebrated with the community at Manor Fruit Farm.

On Saturday, I returned to Normandy with the Royal British Legion, marking the occasion with veterans, serving personnel from Aldershot and Pirbright, and local representatives. Later, I visited Lightwater, where the green was buzzing with local stalls, crafts and bakes, a true celebration of community spirit.

In the afternoon, I opened Windlesham’s VE Day concert, a wonderful event of music and reflection. The day ended in Camberley, where I joined a British Legion dinner with Beryl, a 101-year-old Bletchley Park codebreaker, and attended the unveiling of the restored HMS Camberley bell.

Thank you to all who made these commemorations so special — a week of remembrance, unity and peace in true Surrey Heath spirit.

I take great pride in supporting our heroic veterans and the British Armed Forces. If there are any upcoming events you would like me to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk

Speaking at the Women's Institute, St Paul's Church

This May, I had the privilege of speaking at the Women’s Institute meeting at St Paul’s Church, Camberley.

It was a pleasure to draw on my previous role as an Associate Professor of Geopolitics, sharing insights into global issues such as the Chagos Islands Deal, the conflict in Ukraine, and the rise of Donald Trump, and how those experiences now inform my work as an MP.

I also spoke about my transition into this role, from leading major international research projects to managing a constituency office, building a team, and representing nearly 99,000 residents in Surrey Heath.

Following my speech, I opened the floor to questions. Topics ranged from work–life balance and commuting, to the particular challenges faced by MPs who are mothers. We also discussed local concerns including devolution, pothole repairs, SEND provision, and the Winter Fuel Payment.

It was an insightful and energising evening, and I look forward to returning to the Women’s Institute again soon.

If you would like me to speak at a local event, please get in touch at al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk.

Improving Access to Transport: Driving Tests and Secondary School Travel

🚗 Fixing the Driving Test Booking System

This month, I’ve continued to campaign for better transport options, particularly for young people across Surrey Heath.

Many residents have contacted me about the broken state of the driving test booking system, from long waiting times and early morning log-ins to technical glitches and disappearing slots. In response, I’ve launched a survey to collect your experiences and am pushing for reform through parliamentary debates, questions to the Transport Secretary, and letters to DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder.

If you or your child have struggled to book a test, click here to complete the survey.

🚌 Secondary School Transport

I’m increasingly concerned about the lack of clarity and fairness in accessing secondary school transport. This issue affects families across many villages in Surrey Heath, particularly in areas like Chobham and Lightwater, which has become a transport black hole.

Many families are shocked to find out that a school place does not guarantee free transport. The system is unclear, with separate applications for school admissions and school transportation, leading to confusion and last-minute stress. This is especially hard on children with additional needs and working parents, some of whom are forced to reduce hours, change shifts, or even leave work to cover school runs.

If this issue affects you, please complete the survey to help me raise your concerns in Parliament, click here to share your experiences.

Community Spotlight: School Visits

This month, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several schools across Surrey Heath.

A highlight was meeting Year 11 students at Collingwood College, Camberley, for a lively Q&A. Their curiosity about politics and passion for improving the local community was truly inspiring.

Later that day, I visited Ravenscote, Frimley, where I spoke with the school council and prefects. We had a thoughtful discussion about the local litter problem and how I’m working to support youth access to sports clubs in the area.

I also enjoyed attending Hall Grove’s Open Day, Bagshot, where I explored their beautiful spring gardens and met staff and families. It’s always a delight to visit.

A more bittersweet visit was to Woodcote House, Windlesham, which will sadly be closing at the end of term. I met with Headmaster Mr Paterson, who spoke openly about the difficult decision, driven by a combination of rising costs, VAT on school fees, and a falling birth rate. As a family-run school, they chose to close rather than compromise their ethos.

Their story reflects broader national concerns: tight budgets, inadequate SEND support, and unstable funding continue to place pressure on schools across the country.