News Category - Justin Tomlinson MP

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 ...

Justin Outlines Reasons For Supporting Return To Parliament Arrangements

Jun 09, 2020

Last week Parliament formally returned and I had a number of emails regarding the arrangements, so I thought this summary would be of interest. As with anyone who returns to their formal workplace there will be changes required. Patience will be needed as it will take to get them all the right, that is the case whether is Parliament, or any business up and down the country. Whilst I welcome Parliament returning, which is vital for Parliamentary democracy and crucially accountability (and I say t...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Patience Needed As Parliament Returns to Westminster

Jun 05, 2020

Parliament continuing to return to normal working was very much in the news this week. As with all businesses returning to their formal workplace, changes are required, and patience will be needed as we work to get these changes right. There were certainly some challenges! 1 – The length of time to vote. Many felt it was too long. In part this was because it was new, and some MPs frankly struggled with basic instructions. To be fair, by the 3rd vote it had improved significantly. 2 – Some MP...

Government Expands Skills Toolkit

Jun 03, 2020

The Government has announced it is expanding the Skills Toolkit following its successful launch just a month ago. The Skills Toolkit has been developed in collaboration with Department for Work and Pensions; the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and is an online platform giving people access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy training. These are the skills that everyone needs to thrive in the 21st Century ...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Track and Trace Will Help Return Life Back To Normal

May 29, 2020

Yesterday the Government launched a new track and trace service to help identify, contain and control the coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. The aim of the service is to help return life back to normality, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. The service will trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections, and will play a vital role in giving us early warning if the virus is increasing again locally or nationally. Anyone who has tested po...

Swindon MPs Call Residents To Nominate Community Champions

May 22, 2020

North Swindon MP calls for residents to nominate Community Champions for Volunteers Week North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, has joined forces with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland to recognise local community heroes. The MPs are calling for residents to get in touch and nominate a local community hero as part of Volunteers Week 2020. Volunteers Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. This year’s Volunteers Week is due to take ...

Applications Open For Charities To Access Coronavirus Community Support Fund

May 22, 2020

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has today announced that application are available for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund – part of the Governments unprecedented £750 million package of support to ensure that our charities and social enterprises can continue to step up to respond to the crisis, and keep their doors open to those most in need. A central part of this package is the £200 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which is being administered via th...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Amazing Levels Of Kindness In Swindon

May 22, 2020

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being kindness. This is a very relevant theme at present and I am pleased that, across the country and right in Swindon we have seen such an amazing level of kindness as people step up to help those less fortunate as we navigate the challenges of Covid-19. Throughout the week, this campaign has encouraged us all to speak up about any difficulties we may experience with our mental health – it really does make a difference to those...