The Liberal Democrats have criticised Michael Gove for giving the go ahead to gas drilling in Surrey.

In a decision published yesterday, the Conservative government announced it will grant planning permission to explore for gas in Dunsfold, by the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It comes despite concerns raised by the local community and environmental campaigners about the damage the drilling could do to the countryside and the UK's climate ambitions.

Lib Dem councillors have highlighted the experience of Ukrainian school-age children who have arrived to live with their hosts in Surrey under the Government's Homes for Ukraine Scheme but are still waiting to secure a place at a local school.

Lance Spencer (Goldsworth East and Horsell Village) raised the issue at this week's Council meeting citing the example of a child who had recently arrived in the area but had been unsuccessful in their application to a school just 200 metres from the host family's home.

The government has slashed funding for free school meals for 4-7-year-olds in Surrey by £940,756.00 in real terms, shocking new figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

The party said it is another example of the Conservatives "short-changing our children."

Universal Infant Free School Meals were introduced by the Liberal Democrats, to provide free school meals to all pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 2. However, since the policy was introduced seven years ago, the Conservatives have increased funding per pupil by just 4 pence, from £2.30 to £2.34, or an increase of 1.7%.

Lib Dem borough and district councillors had an election to remember earlier this month when residents in those Surrey areas which hold elections in thirds, went to the polls on 5^th May.

Elmbridge

Lib Dems in Elmbridge successfully held onto three seats and gained 4 of the 6 seats lost by the Tories. Many of the wards holding elections were part of Dominic Raab's parliamentary seat which has already been identified as being 'under threat'. These successes are continued evidence that an upset could be on the cards in the next general election.

With one third of all the Runnymede Borough council seats up for election, they were an important indicator of current sentiment.

In broad terms the Conservatives won the popular vote with 37.7%, though this was down from 44.9% in 2021. They won 6 of the 14 seats being contested.

The Liberal Democrats were second when looking at the popular vote, moving from 13.9% in 2021 to 18.4% this year. Standing candidates in 12 of the 14 borough contests. Good progress.