Andrew Jones Archives - Page 16 of 22

Harrogate MP criticises Dunlopillo housing plan

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has weighed in on a plan to demolish the former Dunlopillo offices in Pannal to make way for apartments.

Otley-based developer Quattro Property Group has submitted the plans, which would see the 1961 office block replaced by 48 one-and two-bedroom apartments.

However, Andrew Jones has criticised the plan and said should not have been lodged under the permitted development rights, which the application has been made under.

The proposal has also proved controversial among some residents, one describing the plan as “awful”.

Mr Jones has written Harrogate Borough Council to call for a special planning committee to scrutinise the proposal.

He has also written to communities secretary, Michael Gove, to ask for him to intervene “should the council’s local planning powers not be sufficient to enable full scrutiny of the application”.

Mr Jones said on his community news website:

“Permitted development rights are to enable positive development and apply in specific circumstances to achieve a specific goal. I do not believe that these rights were introduced for the situation in respect of this development in a semi-rural location.

“Such a significant proposal should go through the normal planning process, be thoroughly appraised by council officers and scrutinised by the councillors at a committee meeting where the public can also have their say.”

The proposal would be split into two blocks, one with four storeys and another with six.

There would also be one car parking space per apartment plus additional spaces for visitors at the back of the building.

Planning consultants Johnson Mowat has submitted planning documents to Harrogate Borough Council on behalf of the developer that says the scheme would be an improvement on the current empty office block, which has been deteriorating for several years.

It says:

“This site has been a blot on the landscape for far too long and we are looking forward to delivering a high quality building.”

The Stray Ferret approached Johnson Mowat for comment, but did not receive a response.

What is permitted development?

Permitted development means that a developer can apply for certain types of applications to go ahead without the need for planning permission.

The last major change to permitted development rights was in 2015, under the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government. However, many changes have since been made since 2020 in response to covid.

Developers can also apply for “prior approval” to carry out a development under permitted development, such as converting retail or office space into homes.

In this case, the developer will ask whether prior permission is required before proceeding with a proposal.

It can take between 28 and 56 days for a council to grant approval to an application.

Andrew Jones MP bids to help Harrogate animal testing firm expand

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones is to meet the science minister to help a controversial Harrogate animal testing firm expand.

Labcorp Drug Development, which is on Otley Road and was previously called Covance, has been subject to regular demonstrations by animal activists.

A group held banners with slogans such as “puppy killers work here” during a demonstration last month.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Jones said Labcorp was “one of the largest employers in my constituency”.

The Conservative MP added the firm planned to expand and asked whether George Freeman, who was appointed science minister in this month’s government reshuffle, would meet to discuss it. Mr Jones said:

“One of the largest employers in my constituency is Labcorp, a business that is at the heart of new medicine development both in the UK and across Europe and has played a role in the life science industry response to covid.

“It is considering UK expansion over the next five years at a number of sites across the UK.

“Will my honourable friend meet me to discuss that opportunity, and also some of the obstacles that may get in the way of it, with a view to securing expansion in the UK as a whole but in Harrogate in particular?

Mr Freeman replied:

“I should be delighted to meet my honourable friend soon to discuss that.

“Labcorp is a major global corporation whose investment in the new clinical pharmacology site is vital. It is in such companies that we need to be investing to drive private investment in research and development.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Labcorp but did not receive a response by time of publication.

It previously told us it “takes very seriously our ethical and regulatory responsibilities to treat research animals with the greatest care and respect”.

It added:

“In addition to being the right thing to do, the proper care of research animals is fundamental to sound scientific research and the ability to develop life-saving and life-enhancing new medicines.

“New drugs must be tested in animals before human clinical trials to ensure the safety of patients and volunteers and there are clear links between excellent animal welfare and medical breakthroughs.”

MPs watch: Afghanistan, football freebies and food banks

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 August, parliament was in recess for the summer. However, MPs were recalled to the House of Commons due to the escalating situation in Afghanistan.

However, none of our district MPs contributed to the debate on August 18.

We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

Mr Jones posted twice on his MP’s website in August. One post saw Mr Jones call for people to help to reduce their carbon footprint after the publication of the Independent Panel on Climate Change report.
On August 14, Mr Jones updated his website to back a local bus service bid by North Yorkshire County Council of up to £20 million.
Mr Jones was branded a “hypocrite” over a post he made on his Community News website about food banks. He did not respond to requests for comment by the Stray Ferret.
Mr Jones’ Twitter account is for ‘retweets only’.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith updated his website once in August. The post reflected on what he did in his constituency in July.
He tweeted six times in August. Among his social media posts were to congratulate Damian Hinds MP for being appointed security minister.
Mr Smith posted six times on his Facebook page. He encouraged 16 and 17 year olds to get their covid vaccine after becoming eligible.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural parts of Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

A regular Twitter user, Mr Adams tweeted 12 times in August.
Among his tweets were support for the Paralympic Games and congratulating Indonesia on its independence day.
On August 23, Mr Adams visited an Afghanistan Crisis Centre set up by the Foreign Office. He said it was a “great to see all the fantastic work” the centre had done.
He tweeted on August 25 that he and the Foreign Office would continue to resolve the crisis in Myanmar and paid tribute to the Rohingya muslims who have lost their lives.
Mr Adams updated his website once in August. This was to publicise the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s consultation on priorities for fire and policing over the next four years.
According to MPs register of interests as of August 23, Mr Adams had received £6,000 worth of free hospitality tickets to England’s Euro 2020 games.

Andrew Jones MP branded ‘hypocrite’ and ‘out of touch’ over foodbank picture

Harrogate & Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones has been branded a “hypocrite” and “out of touch” by the local Green party after he posed for a picture to promote Harrogate District Foodbank earlier this week.

Mr Jones posted an article on his website Community News alongside two of his caseworkers, Stephen Culpin and the Harrogate Borough Council councillor Matt Scott, that said the pair would be attending sessions of Harrogate Foodbank to offer “advice and support”.

In the article, Mr Jones is quoted as saying:

“It’s important that we tackle the long-term underlying problems which cause people to visit Foodbanks in the first place.”

However, Harrogate & District Green Party member Arnold Warneken, who is a former HBC councillor and stood to become a Bilton county councillor earlier this year, told the Stray Ferret that he believes Mr Jones has contributed to the need for foodbanks through his voting record since he became an MP in 2010.

On 53 occasions Mr Jones has voted to cut spending on welfare benefits. He has also consistently voted against paying higher benefits for those unable to work due to illness or disability. He voted in favour of the so-called “bedroom tax” 16 times.

Mr Warneken said:

“If you look at his voting record on benefits it’s disgraceful.

The Conservatives should put policies in place to protect people, but they don’t. There is hypocrisy there.

“I think Andrew Jones is out of touch, hypocritical and has the power to make change but he’s ineffective.”

Mr Warneken set up Ainsty Community Larder from his farm where he distributes food and medicine to those in need.

He accused the MP of “electioneering and getting brownie points” by posing for the “staged” picture.

“If he was quietly doing it in the background I’d give him a pat on the back.

“But he’s smiling, whats he smiling for? He is saying, ‘Arent we wonderful, a problem we created we are getting credit for solving.

“Humility is something people should adopt.”

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Jones to respond to Mr Warneken’s comments but we did not receive a response.

On Community News, he said:

“Over the years my casework team have helped hundreds steer the maze which is the benefits system to get cash which is available to them.”

Harrogate MP welcomes new Christmas market as local traders move on

Andrew Jones MP has welcomed the proposal of a new Christmas market but some disappointed local traders have already moved on.

Market Place Europe has entered into formal talks with Harrogate Borough Council about holding its own version of a Christmas market.

Talks are in the early stages but the plan is to hold a 45 stall event from December 3 to 12. There is no word yet on where it will be held but it will be in the town centre.

There will be a mixture of European stall holders as well as some local traders.

However, it’s unclear just how many of the 170 booked in with the former organisers will be able to get involved with the new organisers.

Bridget Bailey, founder of Bags and Glad Rags, told the Stray Ferret:

“I have been a trader at the Harrogate Christmas Market since it started so I find it very sad that such a successful event has been destroyed.

“We have been messed about so could not wait for this to be sorted. So I am already committed to other things around that time.”

Howard Heaton, managing director of Westmorland Sheepskins, also said:

“This has been quite frustrating to watch. Harrogate is a destination so we need to build on that.

“But from what I have seen of the new Christmas market I am not sure if it will draw in the same crowds, it’s a much smaller event.”

Steven Green, co-founder of Harrogate Tipple, added:

“I think it’s laughable really to have 45 stalls. With European traders as well I cannot see how the locals will get much of a look in.

“Harrogate Tipple always did well at the Christmas market in Harrogate but we are now going to York instead.”

What does Andrew Jones MP make of the new plans?

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has released a statement for the first time about Harrogate Christmas Market since the council refused a licence for Montpellier Hill.

Mr Jones welcomed the news:

“I have read that the usual organisers have announced that they are not going to be seeking approval for a new event plan on Montpellier Hill which addresses the issues raised.

“Retailers contacting me simply want to make sure there is a safe and quality Christmas market in Harrogate. They are not too interested in the wrangling over the exact location.

“That is why, putting the past in the past, I am pleased that a commitment remains from the council to pick up the problem and sort it by speaking to other Christmas market organisers.

“Time though is marching on. I am pleased that contingencies are in place and moving forward at pace.”

Harrogate district unemployment falls by 30% in 6 months

The number of people on out-of-work benefits in the Harrogate district has fallen by over 30% since the height of the third covid lockdown in February, latest government figures show.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 2,720 people were claiming out-of-work benefits as of August 3 — down from 3,625 on February 11.

Currently, 3.4% of the local population are claiming the benefits, which is below the UK average of 5.4%. Financial support for those out of work includes Universal Credit and Job Seekers’ Allowance.

Commenting on the latest figures on his website Community News, Conservative MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough Andrew Jones said predictions of “soaring unemployment” following the end of the furlough scheme have not come true.

Mr Jones said:

“The worst-case predictions of soaring unemployment as the furlough scheme was rolled back have not materialised. At the end of September, ten weeks after most restrictions have been lifted, the furlough scheme ends completely.

“Although the Office for National Statistics say that there is no sign of redundancies starting to pick up ahead of this, we should remain cautious.”

“It is clear though that our local economy has bounced back strongly and empty shop rates in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge are lower than pre-pandemic.“

MPs watch: Football, Yorkshire Show and covid vaccines

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 July, the remaining covid restrictions were lifted, a historic decision was made to overhaul local government across North Yorkshire and England reached their first major football tournament final in 55 years.

Parliament went into recess on July 22.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

On July 5, Mr Jones voted for the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill on its third reading in the House of Commons. The bill has been criticised for giving more powers to police over protests.
Voted to make covid vaccines mandatory for staff working in care homes.
On July 15, Mr Jones called for a debate on the future of the events industry in the House of Commons.
On Friday, he was quoted as “welcoming” new funding for flood defences in Boroughbridge.
Mr Jones updated his website once in July. He visited the CityFibre works in Knaresborough, a £46 million project which is currently under construction.
Mr Jones’ Twitter account is for “retweets only”.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith tweeted on July 5 that he visited Broughton Hall.
On the same day, he voted in line with the government on the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill.
Mr Smith also voted for mandatory covid vaccines for care home staff.
On July 16, he wished “good luck” to the Great Yorkshire Show on its final day.
Mr Smith did not speak in the House of Commons in July.
The MP posted four times on his website in July.
On July 23, Mr Smith tweeted to promote walk-in vaccine centres in North Yorkshire.
On July 27, he posted on his website that he had visited Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa at Bolton Abbey Estate. He said it was “great to see that they are busier than ever”.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

A regular Twitter user, Mr Adams tweeted about England reaching the final of the Euros and posted a video of him at the Denmark game on July 7.
He tweeted again on July 11 to say he was “absolutely gutted” that England lost in the final to Italy.
On July 13, the Minister for Asia met with the Indonesia ambassador to the UK.
On July 15, he met the South Korean ambassador.
Mr Adams voted in line with the government on the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill and mandatory covid vaccines for care home staff.
On July 20, Mr Adams visited a United Nations memorial to those who fought in the Korean War.
Mr Adams tweeted on July 26 that a dog had visited his office.
Mr Adams updated his website once in July.
He spoke in the House of Commons on three occasions in July.

Union criticises Harrogate district MPs for backing compulsory vaccines

The trade union Unison has criticised MPs in the Harrogate district for voting in favour of compulsory vaccinations for care home staff.

MPs voted through plans to make it mandatory for staff who work in a Care Quality Commission-registered care home to have two jabs of a covid vaccine unless they have a medical exemption.

It will become law from October after the House of Commons last night approved the regulation by 319 votes to 246.

The district’s three Conservative MPs, Andrew Jones, Julian Smith and Nigel Adams all voted in favour of the move.

But the North Yorkshire branch of Unison tweeted:

“Concerning that Conservative MPs in our area voted to allow the state to mandate vaccination.

“We encourage all our members to get vaccinated, but making it law is not the way a liberal democracy should operate.”

Concerning that Conservative MPs in our area voted to allow the state to mandate #vaccination. We encouragr all our members to #GetVaccinated but making it the law is not the way a liberal democracy should operate. @nadams @AJonesMP @kevinhollinrake @RishiSunak @JulianSmithUK https://t.co/usBHo7oKvj

— North Yorkshire UNISON (@NYUnison) July 13, 2021

Unison was responding to a tweet by Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central, saying care staff “need respect” and she objected to mandatory vaccines.

She said:

“This authoritarian state is encroaching on human rights of others. What next?”

Some rebel Tory MPs said the government should have published an impact assessment before the vote, which ministers said was “being worked on”.

William Wragg, Conservative MP, said he was “in despair” and that the government was “treating this House with contempt”.

Care minister Helen Whately said managers could discuss the vaccine with staff or look at alternative roles for those who did not want to be vaccinated.

The Stray Ferret approached all three of the Harrogate district MPs for comment, but received no response.

Crime commissioner defends local MP for voting against dog theft law

North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Philip Allott has defended fellow Conservative, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones MP, after he voted in Parliament against making dog theft a specific offence.

Mr Allott repeatedly called for the crime to be put into law during his recent campaign to become the new commissioner.

As part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that is currently going through the Commons, the Labour Party put forward an amendment that would have for the first time made dog theft a crime.

Currently, the law doesn’t distinguish the theft of a dog from that of an inanimate object.

MPs voted the amendment down on Monday with a majority of 113. Four Tory MPs rebelled against the government.

Mr Allott told the Stray Ferret that he wouldn’t have voted for the amendment if he was an MP. He said this was because the government is currently consulting on its own law which he believes will be tougher on criminals than the one Labour suggested.

He said:

“I strongly support a law for pet theft, but I want to wait for the consultation”.

Mr Allott, who lives in Knaresborough, previously highlighted a survey showing dog thefts increased by 250% last year due to gangs cashing in on the demand for puppies during lockdown.

Sought-after breeds, such as French bulldogs, can sell for more than £5,000 and a litter can fetch £35,000.

Mr Allott accused Labour of “mischief-making” and said the offence could include cats as well as dogs.

He added:

“I’ll be interested to see Andrew Jones’s understanding on this but he does care about pets. He did the right thing waiting”.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Jones to comment but did not receive a response.

MPs watch: Fish and chips in Batley and Spen

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 June, a planned covid ‘freedom day’ was delayed and the district was gripped by Euro 2020 fever.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Conservative Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

The Harrogate & Knaresborough MP was spotted campaigning for the Conservatives ahead of the Batley & Spen by-election on five different occasions. He was photographed eating fish and chips with Tory candidate Ryan Stevenson.
On June 16 he voted to extend coronavirus restrictions until July 19. There were 23 Tory rebels.
On the same day in the House of Commons, he asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, about the continuation of business support grants with the delay in easing restrictions.
The MP told the BBC’s Local Democracy Service that he would be “very sad” to lose around 1,500 voters in a proposed boundary shake-up.
On June 17 he chaired a Department for International Trade meeting that offered advice to Yorkshire businesses on trading internationally.
Mr Jones was quoted on his community “news” website discussing the improving retail occupancy rates in the Harrogate district. He said: “These have been difficult times and we are still not through them. Retail and hospitality are going to face ongoing challenges but these figures are positive and an improving position on much of the last few years”.
Mr Jones did not update his website in June.
The MP attended Harrogate Grammar School with Conservative councillors to meet pupils and celebrate Walk to School Day.

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Mr Smith posted on Twitter that he had also been campaigning in Batley & Spen for the Conservatives. “Great feedback on the doorstep”, he tweeted.
He tweeted that he has given talks at 15 schools in his constituency over the past few months. Schools included Beckwithshaw and Kirkby Malzard primary schools.
The MP posted on Facebook that it was “great to be back” in Pateley Bridge, as he was photographed inspecting a David Bowie film poster at Tordoff Gallery.
He also visited Stump Cross Caverns, which raised over £70,000 in a successful crowdfunding campaign that gave pledgers the chance to win a camper van.
The Boundary Commission proposed changes to Mr Smiths’ constituency that would see him lose Bishop Monkton and Burton Leonard.
During a Commons debate about the Northern Ireland protocol, the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland called for “compromise on both sides” following months of unrest in Belfast. Mr Smith has spoken in Parliament on six occasions this year, with five of them being about Northern Ireland.

Nigel Adams, Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

The Minister for Asia condemned the closure of Hong Kong pro-democracy news outlet Apple Daily. He tweeted that it was “another chilling step towards silencing opposition voices.”
The MP sarcastically praised former speaker John Bercow after he defected to the Labour Party from the Conservatives. He tweeted: “I’m sure he will be a great asset to them given his popularity with the great British public.”
In the Commons, Mr Adams said the UK government “does not shy from taking action” against China over human rights abuses.
The Boundary Commission proposed changes to Mr Adams’ constituency that would see him lose all areas within the Harrogate district.

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What does Andrew Jones MP make of the new plans?

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