Subscribe to trusted local news
If you are accessing this story via Facebook but you are a subscriber then you will be unable to access the story. Facebook wants you to stay and read in the app and your login details are not shared with Facebook. If you experience problems with accessing the news but have subscribed, please contact subscriptions@thestrayferret.co.uk. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
01
Apr
MPs Watch: Fuel prices, party conferences and US relations
Every month, the Stray Ferret analyses what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and the House of Commons.
In March, fuel prices soared across the UK as the US-Iran war raged on in the Middle East.
Inflation rose across the globe as a result of this.
Meanwhile, MPs voted on a number of issues in the House of Commons, including scrapping jury trials in some court cases, financial bills and a social media ban for under-16s.
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?
Mr Gordon voted 19 times in March.
He voted against the second reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which would introduce reforms such as the scrapping of jury trials except in the most serious cases.
He also voted against the third reading of the Finance (No.2) Bill, which would affect things like income tax, capital gains and inheritance tax.
The MP also spoke in parliament about the rising prices of heating oil, asking for immediate action to cap the prices and for justification as to why the government is offering limited support to rural families affected.
Mr Gordon also raised concerns about the proposed tourism levy, noting that local hoteliers were sceptical that the money would not be reinvested locally.
What did he do in his constituency?
Mr Gordon visited Harrogate College during Colleges Week to learn about some of the skills classes offered, such as a catering class and a community interpreter course.
He also held his first ‘Talk with Tom’ surgery event, where he discussed with families the issues surrounding provision for SEND children.
The MP also attended the Lib Dem Spring Conference in York, welcoming party leader Ed Davey to the event. Local Lib Dems visited a nearby alpaca farm for photo opportunities beforehand.
He also visited the Farm Retail Association Conference in Harrogate to hear from local businesses.
What else?
Mr Gordon visited the University of York campus for a speaking session to the university’s Lib Dem society.
When we contacted Mr Gordon for comment, he said:
Kicking off the month with a visit to Harrogate College for Colleges Week, it was great to see the funding we secured for the rebuild being put into action. I also hosted MPs and constituents at a public meeting to demystify the upcoming TEWV mental health trust inquiry.
Meanwhile in Westminster I raised concerns regarding changes to GPs contract. I spoke in a debate about the visitor levy, highlighting the need for council and community consultation in tourism strategy. Finally, I raised a question with the transport minister regarding the millions David Skaith has directed away from North Yorkshire highways.
Sir Julian Smith
Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon
What did he do in parliament?
Sir Julian voted 29 times in March.
He voted against the second reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill and also voted against the third reading of the Finance Bill.
Meanwhile, the MP also voted for six amendments to the Victims and Courts Bill.
Sir Julian spoke in Westminster Hall asking for the proposed tourist tax to be put on pause and claimed it would ‘clobber’ businesses in rural North Yorkshire.
He also asked Chief Secretary Darren Jones to confirm that all documents relating to defence contracts awarded to companies linked to Peter Mandelson’s business interests would be released to the Commons.
The MP also raised concerns about the planned 2029 ban on lead ammunition, warning of the impact it could have on jobs and industry.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Julian welcomed students from Ripon Grammar School to Parliament so they could showcase their fashion project promoting an alcohol-free childhood.
The MP also visited the Ripon Cathedral Rural Forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities.
He also visited Bordar House Teas in Masham to speak about how the business has grown since its establishment 40 years ago.
Sir Julian also attended the Conservative Spring Conference in Harrogate, at which party leader Kemi Badenoch spoke.
What else?
Sir Julian attended the World Book Day parliamentary drop-in to join colleagues in celebrating the power of reading for pleasure.
He appeared on BBC York to speak about smart meter connectivity issues in rural North Yorkshire.
The MP also met Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman at Westminster to support Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal.
When we contacted Sir Julian for comment, he said:
Throughout March, I have been working hard for local residents from welcoming Ripon Grammar School’s Fashion Club to Parliament and celebrating their creative achievements, to raising local families’ experiences at a SEND parliamentary briefing, pushing for clearer, more consistent support for children with additional needs.
I have also pressed the Government to protect rural households by calling for action on heating-oil prices and urging an urgent investigation into market practices affecting off-grid communities. I also met UKHospitality’s chair to highlight pressures facing pubs, restaurants and hotels, points I then highlighted in a Westminster Hall debate on the planned Visitor Levy.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold
What did he do in parliament?
Sir Alec voted 28 times in March.
He voted for a reasoned amendment to the Representation of the People Bill.
He also voted against the second reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, while voting in favour of a reasoned amendment to that bill.
The MP also voted against the Finance (No.2 Bill) Third Reading.
Sir Alec also raised concerns in parliament that small local businesses in his constituency are not taking on as many young people due to government tax increases.
He also spoke about unpaid internships, stating that legislation should come into play to ensure that any internships longer than four weeks should be paid.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Alec attended the Conservative Spring Conference in Harrogate, at which Kemi Badenoch spoke.
He also visited Boroughbridge Primary School to host a ‘grill your MP’ session with the pupils. He also spoke to staff and the headteacher about their thoughts on the government’s SEND White Paper.
Sir Alec did various other things in his constituency this month, but they did not happen within our district.
What else?
Sir Alec celebrated International Women’s Day, praising Carla Cressy OBE, founder of the Endometriosis Foundation for her inspiring nature.
He also helped to organise the Our Fertility Matters Day in parliament as chairman of the Endometriosis Foundation.
The MP travelled to Washington for a NATO Assembly to discuss challenges facing the military alliance between the United States and other NATO nations.
When we contacted Sir Alec for comment, he said:
This month I was delighted to launch my new Wetherby & Easingwold Dementia Directory, which is now online and has been delivered to every household in my constituency.
The directory includes information on dementia-related activities and events that take place in and around our villages, as well as advice for those living with and caring for people with dementia. An online version is available here.
1.4 million people will be living with dementia in the UK by 2040 and I have been working locally with volunteers in our community to bring about one simple goal: to make our area the UK’s first dementia-friendly constituency. The directory supports this goal by bringing together details of local organisations, events and services, and ensuring those living and caring for those with dementia know how and where to access first-class services locally.
0