News - Justin Tomlinson MP

Prime Minister Announces Ambitious Coronavirus Recovery Plans

Jun 30, 2020

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier today an ambitious post-Coronavirus recovery plan. Speaking in Dudley, the Prime Minister outlined plans to support the economy and promote job growth, deliver new homes, and invest in the UK’s future prosperity. Recognising the crisis has driven unemployment across the country, and many people are worried about their jobs and incomes, the Government has set out an action plan to support jobs and skills. Over the next five years, the Government...

Government Announces £105million To Tackle Homelessness

Jun 30, 2020

The Government has announced a further £105 million to support local authorities in ensuring that people currently accommodated in emergency accommodation do not return to the streets. At the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, local authorities were asked to bring ‘Everyone In’ and help move rough sleepers off the streets during the outbreak. Nearly 15,000 people accommodated in emergency accommodation were able to self-isolate safely – potentially saving countless lives. The Government has...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Easing Of Restrictions Is Fantastic News But We Must Be Careful

Jun 26, 2020

Earlier this week the Prime Minister made the eagerly anticipated announcement that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers would be able to re-open from the 4th July, subject to being able to implement the necessary social distancing measures. Further to this, residents will be pleased to hear that certain leisure facilities, tourist attractions and others may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as...

Swindon MPs Back National School Sport Week At Home Campaign

Jun 22, 2020

Swindon MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland are preparing to join children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust and Sky Sports to help young people and families up and down the country engage in a week of virtual sporting challenges. With young people set to miss out on a school sport day this summer, the Youth Sport Trust’s annual National School Sport Week campaign is this year being opened-up to parents and families and reinvented as National School Sport Week at Home. The annual celebration...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Retail Workers Have Played An Integral Role In Ensuring We Have All Had Access To Essential Goods

Jun 19, 2020

On Monday, Coronavirus restrictions were eased to allow non-essential retailers to re-open. This was very welcome for both customers and businesses, and it was great to see people going out and supporting local businesses following what has been a very challenging time for the retail sector. As a former business owner myself, I know how difficult it must have been for shops to close their doors. The retail sector has faced huge challenges over the past few months, and I am very grateful to our l...

Work Begins on Tadpole Garden Village Sainsbury's Store

Jun 16, 2020

Local residents in the Tadpole Village development in Swindon will soon be able to enjoy access to a Sainsbury's convenience store, as on site works begin on Monday. The store, which will be located on Maizey Road, will open its doors at the end of August, creating 16 new jobs. Sainsbury's have said it will offer great quality food, competitively priced, bringing great choice, value and convenience to customers. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury's Property Director said: “We're delighted that work is ...

Swindon Women's Aid To Receive £37,000 To Support Services During Coronavirus Crisis

Jun 12, 2020

Swindon Women's Aid is set to receive a £36,930 boost to continue to provide life-saving services during the current Coronavirus crisis The funding comes from the £8.1 million announced this week by Housing Minister Luke Hall – which will support domestic abuse safe accommodation services. Swindon Women's Aid is one of more than 100 charities who will benefit from the new funding. Over a third of successful applicants offer specialist services to particular groups such as BAME, LGBT and disabled...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Following Tragedy It Is Crucial That We Have Difficult Conversations To Address Racial Inequalities

Jun 12, 2020

Like everybody I was shocked and sickened by the death of George Floyd. Quite rightly the world reacted with anger and those policemen have been charged with his murder. Following such a tragedy, it is crucial that we have difficult conversations and absolutely look to address racial inequalities that still exist in society. Whilst the Swindon protest was well organised, peaceful and respectful – a credit to the cause and our town, it was unfortunate to see in other areas that a lot of the anger...

Time To Recognise Heroic Carers Looking After Loved Ones And Our Communities

Jun 11, 2020

This pandemic has seen millions of people across our country step up to become unsung heroes. Neighbours are keeping an eye out for vulnerable residents in their streets who have to shield, more than 750,000 people have signed up to the NHS volunteer responder scheme and people are joining community efforts to support those who need help. Our nation’s army of carers has continued to look after friends and family members who rely on their support because of a health condition or a disability thro...

Swindon's Electric Bus Town Bid Supported By Justin

Jun 10, 2020

Earlier this year, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the Government was making £50m available to one local authority to set the ‘gold-standard’ in environmentally friendly public transport. The bid has received the support of Swindon's two main bus operators, Stagecoach West and Swindon’s Bus Company - owned by Go South Coast. The Electric Bus Town proposal is a pilot scheme, the aim of which is to assess the impact of moving all buses to electric power – particularly, it's impact ...