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01
Feb
MPs Watch: Airport expansions, renters’ rights and Holocaust Memorial Day
Every month, the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced Labour is backing plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Holocaust Memorial Day was also marked on January 27.
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 in Parliament 18 times this month.
Several of these votes related to amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, which also went to its third reading on January 14.
Mr Gordon voted in favour of the third reading.
He also voted in favour of an amendment and two new clauses added to the Water (Special Measures) Bill at report stage.
Mr Gordon also made a number of spoken contributions in Parliament in January.
During a debate, he asked what the government is doing to ensure local mental health facilities are rooted in communities like Harrogate and Knaresborough.
He also asked what steps the government is taking to ensure classrooms in older buildings are "fitted out".
What did he do in his constituency?
On January 10, Mr Gordon and Cllr Hannah Gostlow met representatives of the Environment Agency to discuss sewage issues affecting the River Nidd.
He visited The Woodlands pub in Harrogate to chat about challenges local pubs are facing, before meeting Harrogate Pubwatch on January 26 to hear more about the pubwatch scheme.
Following news of Lancaster’s Bakery closing on Cold Bath Road, Mr Gordon said online:
Lancaster’s Bakery in Harrogate has survived wars, pandemics and more over the last 119 years. But rising costs and Labour’s budget have become the final straw for local businesses across the country.
What else?
Mr Gordon signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27. He also attended the Holocaust Memorial Service at Harrogate Synagogue.
Following the deaths of PC Rosie Prior and Ryan Welford, who lived in Knaresborough, the MP said on social media: 'my thoughts are with the families of both Rosie and Ryan at this difficult time'.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke
Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold
Sir Alec Shelbrooke voted 14 times in Parliament this month.
Sir Alec voted in favour of two new clauses added to the Water (Special Measures) Bill at the report stage, as well as amendments nine and ten to the Armed Forces Commission Bill at report stage.
He voted in favour of clause 20 and two amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill at report stage but voted against the third reading of the same bill.
Sir Alec made several spoken contributions in the House of Commons in January.
During a debate on airport expansion on January 28, he said:
For years, I have wanted expansion of Heathrow so that morning flights from Yorkshire could come down to Heathrow airport, allowing transatlantic flights to be boarded in Yorkshire.
May I urge the Minister, when considering the expansion of Heathrow, to always give firm attention to regional airports, especially Leeds Bradford airport in Yorkshire? It would allow the economy to grow significantly if people could check in at Leeds and get off in New York.
Sir Alec often focusses a lot of his work around women’s health, including endometriosis. In January, he spoke during a debate on endometriosis and the struggles women can face in the workplace because of the condition.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Alec attended a coffee morning at Boroughbridge Methodist Church in January.
He also invited constituents to be part of a discussion during a public inquiry into Aldwark Bridge toll increases.
Sir Alec also commented on the deaths of PC Rosie Prior and Ryan Welford. He sent his "sincere condolences" to their families.
Sir Alec made several other visits to places in his constituency but they were not in the Harrogate district.
What else?
Sir Alec also marked Holocaust Memorial Day. He said on social media:
This Holocaust Remembrance Day, we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As we forge the future, we must never forget the past.
On January 21, he said he was “angered” after plans to build a new children’s hospital in Leeds were delayed for at least a decade.
Sir Alec said he will continue to work with Yorkshire MPs and councillors in “seeking a U-turn decision”.
Julian Smith
Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon
What did he do in Parliament?
Sir Julian voted 17 times in Parliament this month – five of which related to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
He voted in favour of a reasoned amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, as well as clauses 16 and 19 of the Water (Special Measures) Bill at report stage.
Sir Julian gave a speech during the second reading of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. He highlighted the need to improve autism-specific teacher training and urged the government to work with charities and experts to ensure children with autism and their families are getting the support they need.
What did he do in his constituency?
Sir Julian visited The Red House Retirement Village in Ripon this month. He said:
I learned more about the Integrated Retirement Community model and its positive impact on older residents. It was fantastic to meet with residents, discuss local issues, and see the excellent facilities supporting independent and communal living.
Sir Julian visited a number of other places in his constituency but they were not in the Harrogate district.
What else?
Sir Julian backed a grief campaign launched by charity Sue Ryder.
He welcomed the government’s funding boost for North Yorkshire’s stop smoking services.
Sir Julian also attended the National Autistic Society’s ‘A Constant Fight’ event. He said:
The ‘A Constant Fight event’ was great opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities faced by autistic people in our communities and I will continue to press minsters to ensure autistic people receive the support they deserve.
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