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01
Jan
MPs Watch: Knaresborough Castle campaign, Budget criticism and meeting Hillary Clinton
Every month, the Stray Ferret analyses what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and the House of Commons.
In December, it was revealed that the UK economy had unexpectedly shrunk, prompting forecasts of a December interest-rate cut.
The NHS has been put under intense pressure as hospitals face a record-breaking flu season.
In Australia, an ISIS-linked terrorist attack on Bondi Beach during a Hannukah celebration left 15 people dead. One of the attackers was killed, while the other was critically injured during the attack.
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 December.
He voted for new clauses three and 26 of the Pensions Schemes Bill, which aims to improve the management of pensions for individuals across the UK.
The MP voted against the second reading of the Railways Bill, which would establish a new, publicly owned railway company, Great British Railways. The bill proposes bringing the country’s railways back into public ownership.
Mr Gordon also voted against second readings of both the Finance (No.2) Bill and the National Insurance Contributions Bill.
He also spoke in the house with concerns about the number of parents who are having to leave work due to an “unmet need” of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). He asked the minister to assess the current impact of the UK’s SEND provisions.
The MP also handed a petition into parliament, calling for the House of Lords to be abolished. He said:
Jobs for life handed out to friends and donors have no place in public life. This broken model is eroding trust in our politics and institutions.
What did he do in his constituency?
Mr Gordon started Mind’s five-kilometre ‘mental elf’ race in Knaresborough. He also judged which dog was best dressed.
He also visited Knaresborough Christmas Market to speak with organisers.
What else?
Mr Gordon met Health Secretary Wes Streeting, other MPs and families for the announcement of a statutory public inqury into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
He raised concerns on ITV about changes to inheritance tax made in November's Budget, saying that farmers “aren’t going to be bought off with a minor tweak”.
When we contacted Mr Gordon for comment, he said:
As the year ends, this month marks a major breakthrough: the launch of a full statutory inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust – a step families have fought for over many painful years. Since entering Parliament, I’ve made this my priority, challenging the Prime Minister and working across party lines to secure action. I’m relieved this long-awaited inquiry is finally here for families who deserve truth and justice.
Other highlights this month include stepping up my campaign to save Rotary Wood, prompting government intervention after exposing serious planning flaws, and submitting a petition to Parliament to restore Knaresborough Castle, backing a strong community-led effort to protect this cherished landmark.
Sir Julian Smith
Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon
What did he do in parliament?
Sir Julian voted 21 times in December.
He voted against the second readings of both the Railways Bill and the Finance (No.2) Bill.
Sir Julian spoke in the House of Commons during Treasury questions, urging the government to rethink its business rates for the hospitality sector.
During defence questions, he asked the government how it will lead a national conversation on defence spending and the trade-offs needed to strengthen the country’s armed forces.
During PMQs, Sir Julian urged Keir Starmer to act on business rates and transitional relief for pubs in North Yorkshire.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Julian visited the Kex Gill road realignment on the A59 to see progress on what he called “a vital upgrade”.
He also visited Masham Town Hall for the Uredale Community Partnership meeting, to discuss housing, transport, youth cohesion, and digital connectivity.
What else?
Sir Julian met with Mikey Argy and Nick Dobrik to discuss the challenges facing thalidomide survivors and how Parliament can help.
The MP also hosted Hillary Clinton in Parliament with Labour MP Liam Conlon. Ms Clinton spoke about the work she and Bill Clinton did to support the Good Friday Agreement.
He posted on X condemning the “mindless” attack on Jews in Australia during a Hanukkah celebration.
When we contacted Sir Julian for comment, he said:
December has been a mix of celebration and serious challenges. It’s always great to run my annual Christmas card competition and see the creativity of local children. However, alongside that, I have been fighting for our rural communities by calling for urgent action on business rates as pubs face devastating hikes that could force closures.
I voted against inheritance tax changes for family farms, welcomed the statutory inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust mental health services, and backed new laws to tackle livestock worrying. As 2026 approaches, I will continue to raise issues and concerns on behalf of our community in Parliament.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold
What did he do in parliament?
Sir Alec voted 11 times in December.
He voted against the second readings of the Finance (No.2) Bill and the National Insurance Contributions Bill.
Sir Alec also spoke in the House about the struggles hospices face. He claimed Labour's Budget failed to take their needs into account.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Alec visited Boroughbridge Community Charity’s coffee morning at Boroughbridge Library to talk about local Christmas shopping in the village.
The MP did other things in his constituency this month, but none of them in the Harrogate district.
What else?
Sir Alec spoke to BBC York about the impact of the Budget on families and businesses in Yorkshire.
He wrote to the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs to outline the impact that proposed changes to shotgun licences would have on the rural economy.
He also travelled to Washington D.C. for the final NATO parliamentary assembly of the year.
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