I HOPE you all had a restful Easter and a chance to spend some time with family and friends over this important holiday.

Of course, in this period of celebration, it is right that we pause to mourn the passing of the Pope, who in his remarkable life did so much to represent the faith which many in this country hold dear.

But he also served as a remarkable public servant, who acted for the benefit of others, and who worked until his dying days for the benefit of the global community, Christian or otherwise. His example is a lesson to us all, and I know he will be in all our thoughts.

My work over the last few weeks has been a busy period of community engagement. A short while ago, I held a very well-attended Q&A session in Burridge. It was great to meet so many local residents and hear directly about the issues affecting you. We covered a wide range of topics — from the future of Meon Health and Fareham Community Hospital to broader NHS services, local bank closures, local government reorganisation, policing, and new housing developments.

These town hall meetings, which I will carry out all over the constituency, are a chance for you to raise your concerns and for me to share what action I’m taking on your behalf. So please keep an eye out and make sure to sign up when one is near you.

It was also great to join a fantastic meeting hosted by Curdridge Parish Council to address village speeding and much-needed road safety improvements. I joined Donna Jones, the Police Commissioner for Hampshire & IOW, along with our dedicated local officers, Sharon and Steph. I’ll now be pushing Hampshire County Council to take this issue more seriously and provide real solutions. Visit if you can!

Visiting The Brickworks Museum in Bursledon was a fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into our historic connection to brickmaking. Established in the 1890s, Bursledon Bricks once produced an impressive 33,000 bricks a day. Since becoming a museum in 2014, it has become a hidden gem well worth a visit. Supporting our heritage sites is so important. It was a pleasure meeting Pam and the wonderful team there!

Finally, it was fantastic to join local veterans in celebrating the first anniversary of the Netley Veterans Breakfast Club. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of camaraderie. These clubs play such an important role in bringing veterans and their families together—offering not just a hearty breakfast, but friendship, support, and a strong sense of community. It’s vital that we continue to cherish and support these gatherings, which do so much for the well-being of those who have served.

That’s all from me for now. If you have anything you wish to raise with me, get in touch at paul.holmes.mp@parliament.uk

  • The View from Westminster is the Daily Echo's weekly MP column which runs each Friday.