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30
Aug
MPs Watch: Yorkshire Day, Flag controversy, and wildfires
Every month, the Stray Ferret analyses what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and the House of Commons.
On August 1, people across the county celebrated Yorkshire Day, hailing the area’s rich history.
The UK officially saw its hottest summer since records began in 1884, sparking wildfires across the country. The Langdale Moor blaze, which started in mid-August, has burned around 25 square kilometres and caused several explosions from undetonated Second World War shells.
The nation has also been hit with controversy regarding the display of the St George’s Flag on lampposts and roundabouts. Ripon was found at the centre of a national debate about patriotism and racism after a video went viral of a girl pulling down and stamping on the St George’s Flag.
Here’s what we discovered after analysing our MPs’ online presence. We ask each MP for a quote which is included if it's provided.
Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat – Harrogate and Knaresborough
What did he do in Parliament?
Parliament was not in session this month, so Mr Gordon did not vote.
The MP did write to the Minister for Women and Equalities, arguing against the appointment of the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. He said the EHRC urgently needs to rebuild trust with all communities.
What did he do in his constituency?
Mr Gordon went out leafleting in Oatlands, saying he had “a really positive response".
He also celebrated Yorkshire Day, promising to keep pushing for investment in the region.
The MP reposted a tweet from Harrogate Pubwatch, opposing North Yorkshire Council’s proposed pavement licenses.
He also hosted a bake sale as part of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Big Birthday Brew, celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Mr Gordon agreed with the Harrogate Bus Company to delay the last bus from Harrogate to Knaresborough until 12.25am, ensuring people have enough time to reach the bus station from the last train into Harrogate.
He also wrote to the CEO of Yorkshire Water, Nicola Shaw, demanding answers for the undisclosed payments of £660,000 made to her in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
What else?
As we have reported on numerous occasions, Mr Gordon is a keen runner. This month, he swapped the Harrogate parkrun for Fountains Abbey, running in just under 26 minutes. He followed it up with a coffee in the café.
He enjoyed Hong Kong-style fried chicken at 65 Degrees in Harrogate, saying that “it did not disappoint” and he would “very much recommend”.
The MP ordered Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Vinyl, labelling himself “Chief Swiftie MP”.
When the Stray Ferret asked Mr Gordon what he had been up to this month, he said:
This month has been all about getting out into the constituency and meeting as many people as possible, helped by the launch of my summer tour. Over eight days, I’ll be making around 25 stops across towns and villages to reach every corner of Harrogate and Knaresborough. It’s been fantastic to chat with residents, answer questions, or hear concerns, and I look forward to meeting many more people on the road ahead.
I’ve continued my tour of farms across Yorkshire, standing up for farmers who are being hit by a perfect storm of challenges – from rising energy and feed costs, to trade difficulties, and now Labour’s damaging family farm tax. Farmers are the backbone of our economy and food security, and they need real support, not more barriers.
Recently, I also spent a day with young carers in Leeds, organised by Family Action, which showed just how big a difference this kind of support can make. It’s frustrating that young carers in Harrogate, Knaresborough and North Yorkshire don’t have access to similar services.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold
What did he do in Parliament?
Parliament was not in session this month, so Sir Alec did not vote.
The MP joined 98 members of parliament in sending a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister calling for a survivor-led national inquiry into grooming gangs.
What did he do in his constituency?
For Yorkshire Day, Sir Alec spent every day of August championing different aspects of his constituency.
Of the places that fall within the Harrogate district, he highlighted Aldborough’s Roman Museum, the Emmerdale Village located near Harewood, Newby Hall, the York Bird of Prey Centre near Huby, Harewood House, Aldwark Bridge, and Plumpton Rocks.
The MP also highlighted Spofforth Castle, saying that the Magna Carta was likely first drawn up there in 1215.
Sir Alec thanked North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for its role in fighting the Langdale moor fires, labelling it “a tough task over several days”.
He also congratulated Boroughbridge High School’s Charlotte Audsley and Imogen Hawkridge, of Ripon Boxing Club, on making it into the national news with their GCSE results.
What else?
Sir Alec posted on Facebook, urging the government to cut back on taxes and back local businesses to create job opportunities for young people.
He also honoured the fallen on VJ Day, saying “their legacy must never be forgotten”.
The MP also expressed solidarity with Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day.
Julian Smith
Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon
What did he do in Parliament?
Parliament was not in session this month, so Sir Julian did not vote.
He also joined 98 MPs in sending a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, calling for a survivor-led national inquiry into grooming gangs.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Julian also celebrated Yorkshire Day, saying that he’s “proud to represent such a vibrant and diverse part of Yorkshire”.
He announced the winners of his Local Pub Awards 2025. The Black Swan in Ripon was voted Best Pub.
What else?
Sir Julian spoke on Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates programme about lead mines in the UK, which are contaminating waterways with the dangerous metal. He said that the issue has been “swept under the carpet” and that the issue is “much more concerning than people realise”.
The MP also remembered the fallen on VJ Day, saying “their service helped bring peace to millions and marked the end of a global conflict that shaped our modern world”.
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