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02
Aug
MPs Watch: Palestine, welfare cuts and the Great Yorkshire Show
Every month, the Stray Ferret analyses what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and the House of Commons.
In July, Sir Keir Starmer announced that Britain would recognise the Palestinian state as part of a peace plan in September, unless Isreal met certain conditions.
Meanwhile, plans to cut welfare funds to over a million people in the UK were also debated in Parliament and the Football Governance Act was passed into law which established an independent regulator for EFL clubs.
England Women also won their second successive UEFA Women’s Championship.
Here’s what we discovered after analysing our MPs’ online presence.
Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat – Harrogate and Knaresborough
What did he do in Parliament?
Mr Gordon voted 20 times this month.
He voted against the third reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, calling the welfare cuts “cruel and unnecessary”.
He also voted in favour of the third reading of the Football Governance Bill [Lords].
In 2023, plans were proposed to build a specialist school for autistic children in Bilton, on the site of the former Woodfield Primary School. Originally set for completion in 2024, it was delayed until 2025.
Mr Gordon raised the issue in parliament, asking the minister to confirm if it will open on time in September.
He also spoke about scrapping the First Past the Post election system.
What did he do in his constituency?
Mr Gordon celebrated the securing of £14 million for the removal of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Harrogate Hospital and the building of new facilities. Mr Gordon said it was a “huge boost after years of campaigning”.
The MP also visited several events in the district in July, including the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Henshaws College graduation, and the Great Yorkshire Show.
What else?
Mr Gordon joined 250 MPs in calling on the UK to recognise of the state of Palestine. The MPs urged the government to take the lead in supporting a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the region.
On X (formerly Twitter), he also praised French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to do recognise the state of Palestine, describing it as “a bold and necessary step”.
The MP also appeared on ITV’s Around the House, discussing the post office scandal, the infected blood scandal, the welfare reforms, the two-child benefit cap, and Labour’s first year in office.
He also celebrated his own first year in office, describing it as “a real privilege”.
Mr Gordon maintained his passion for running, participating in a Harrogate Park Run.
When the Stray Ferret contacted Mr Gordon for comment, he said:
This month, I’ve continued to stand up for the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough and speak out on the issues that matter to our community.
I took part in my final visit with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme – a year-long programme that’s given me first-hand insight into military life. With the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and RAF Menwith Hill nearby, it’s been an important opportunity to better understand the challenges facing service personnel.
Over the last few days, I’ve also spent time volunteering with the Harrogate Homeless Project – seeing first-hand the vital work they do to support rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness.
With Parliament now in recess, I’m looking forward to spending more time in the constituency – attending local events, visiting organisations, and meeting with residents.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold
What did he do in Parliament?
Sir Alec voted nine times in July.
He voted against the third reading of the Football Governance Bill [Lords].
The MP also voted in favour of a motion against the welfare bill on opposition day, proposing that the two-child benefit cap should remain in place.
Sir Alec spoke in Parliament about the impact of the rise in national insurance rates on businesses, adding that eight companies have personally told him about their desperate situation since April. He said that we are in a “downward spiral of tax and spend”.
He also spoke in support of the the state pension triple lock system amid calls from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to reform the system.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Alec visited the Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show at Newby Hall this month, which showcased the farming community. He said he will “always back our farmers for the future of British agriculture.
The MP visited several places in his constituency this month, but they do not fall within our district.
What else?
Sir Alec reposted views on X that opposed Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine if Isreal does not meet certain conditions. The post, not made by Sir Alec, said that the move “does not advance peace” and risks “rewarding terror”.
He also attended a NATO Parliamentary Assembly event in Denmark and Iceland. Members discussed undersea infrastructure security, controlling the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, new energy initiatives, and China’s interest in the Arctic.
Like Mr Gordon, Sir Alec also celebrated a year in office, as MP for Wetherby and Easingwold.
When the Stray Ferret asked Sir Alec for comment on his month, he said:
I suspect government ministers will be pleased to enter the summer break given it’s clear they can no longer get their legislative agenda passed their own MPs. No more so was this on show during recent attempts by the Chancellor to get her welfare spending cuts through the Commons. In my fifteen years in the House, never have I seen a party bring forward legislation to cut public spending, only to end up increasing it by the time the bill reached its final hurdle.
On the general direction I thought the Chancellor was right – the ballooning welfare bill required reform, I’m just disappointed it didn’t go far enough. Since COVID, we’ve seen a huge rise in people “self-declaring”, and it feels like Britain is losing its work ethic post-pandemic. In the autumn, the government will have to make some tough choices: try again to persuade its MPs that welfare reform is critical, otherwise implement different public spending cuts or raise taxes. I’ll most certainly be opposing the latter.
Julian Smith
Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon
What did he do in Parliament?
Sir Julian voted 12 times in July.
He voted against the third reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill.
The MP also voted in favour of an amendment to the 2000 Terrorism Act.
Sir Julian also spoke in Parliament about the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Bill, putting his questions directly to the Prime Minister. He said:
A much better understanding of the particular needs of autistic and neurodiverse children is vital to expanding capacity in mainstream education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. As the Prime Minister looks at the SEND Bill over the summer, can I urge him to introduce mandatory training for all teachers and staff on autism and neurodiversity?
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Julian visited the Cancer Research UK shop in Ripon in July to meet with volunteers and staff. He praised their work, saying it “plays a vital role in supporting life-saving research, and I encourage anyone who can to consider volunteering or donating".
The MP visited several other places in his constituency this month, but they do not fall within the Harrogate district.
What else?
Sir Julian also visited the Great Yorkshire Show this month. He thanked the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the National Farmers’ Union, and the Country Land and Business Association for “championing our countryside and supporting our farmers.
He also launched the Local Pub Awards 2025. Accepting nominations from the public, he said it was “a chance to celebrate the brilliant pubs and publicans that make our community so special”.
When the Stray Ferret asked Sir Julian for comment on his month, he said:
It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks across Skipton and Ripon, and I have been proud to continue championing our local communities both here and in Westminster.
One of the highlights of my recent work was attending the Great Yorkshire Show, where I had the opportunity to meet with farmers, food producers, and innovators from across the region. Yorkshire’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our rural economy, and I was pleased to speak with local businesses about the challenges they face and the opportunities ahead. From sustainable farming practices to cutting-edge agri-tech, the show was a powerful reminder of the talent and resilience we have here in North Yorkshire.
I also recently visited Harrogate District Hospital, where I met with staff and leadership to discuss the pressures facing our NHS and the importance of continued investment in local healthcare. I was particularly struck by the dedication of the team and their commitment to delivering high-quality care despite ongoing challenges.
As ever, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard loud and clear in Westminster.
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