News - Justin Tomlinson

North Swindon MP Hosts Good Gym Training Session

Jul 02, 2019

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson welcomed members of Swindon Good Gym to his community office as they held a walk leader training day.Good Gym brings people together to run & do good deeds in their community. The gym gets people to run to a location, carry out a positive task such as planting trees or helping an elderly person with a task they can no longer do, and then run back. The aim is to keep fit and healthy, while also helping the local community.A group of seven run leaders used the...

Justin Tomlinson MP Joins Pluss Swindon For Employability Day

Jul 01, 2019

To mark the fourth national Employability Day, North Swindon MP & Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson, has joined the team at Pluss in Swindon to see how it works to support individuals who face challenges entering employment.The visit came as part of Employability Day - the UK’s largest celebration for organisations supporting people into work. The annual event also provides an opportunity to increase understanding and awareness of the role they undertak...

Justin Tomlinson MP Joins Local Employers & Apprentices To Celebrate Annual Apprenticeship Awards At Swindon College

Jun 28, 2019

Local MP Justin Tomlinson joined local employers and their apprentices on Thursday evening at the Annual Apprenticeship Awards at Swindon College.Local employers including the Research Councils, the NHS, local schools, Swindon Borough Council, engineering companies, accountants and construction companies gathered to honour the apprentices who had been selected to receive a special recognition award for their hard work and effort.The qualifications covered a broad range including business adminis...

Swindon Advertiser Column: These New Measures Will Break Down The Barriers Faced By Disabled People

Jun 28, 2019

As the Minister for Disabled People, I get to meet a huge number of charities and people living with disabilities & long-term health conditions. It’s one of the best parts of the job; and it’s their knowledge & expertise I want to use to shape what the Government does to break down barriers.Throughout my meetings & visits, one of the key suggestions has been for there to be a more joined-up approach on how Government works to support people with disabilities & long-term health co...

Swindon MP Attends Swindon & Wiltshire’s Girl Guides Annual Awards Ceremony

Jun 27, 2019

Local MP Justin Tomlinson was delighted to attend the annual awards ceremony for Swindon & Wiltshire’s Girl Guides last Saturday. Locally the Girl Guides (which includes the Brownies & the Rainbows) provide fantastic opportunities and life experiences. From trips to India to weekly meetings where the girls are able to earn badges – the Guides provide a warm environment for youngsters to enjoy unforgettable childhood experiences. The event celebrated the year just gone for the Wiltshi...

Local MP Welcomes Increased Protections For Service Anmials

Jun 27, 2019

Police dogs and other service animals will now receive more protection, after new laws came into effect last week. The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act stops people who have injured service animals claiming it was in self-defence and introduces tougher measures against people who hurt or injure service animals.The Bill has been dubbed Finn’s Law after the police dog who brought the issue to public attention. Finn was stabbed while chasing a man suspected of armed robbery, receiving serious w...

North Swindon MP To Host Third Annual Summer Activities Fair

Jun 27, 2019

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson will be hosting his third annual Summer Activities Fair at the Orbital Shopping Park on Saturday 20th July from 11am – 1pm.This follows the success of the first two fairs which saw several different organisations come together to show local parents, carers & grandparents what activities are on offer to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays. From various sports groups to the library network, computer museum and the Swindon & Cricklade Railwa...

Local MP Welcomes Tougher Sentences For Animal Abuse

Jun 26, 2019

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has set out legislation which will increase the maximum sentence for animal abuse. The Government has this week introduced the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill to Parliament – which will see animal abusers face up to five years in prison, a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months. The current maximum sentence is significantly lower the than the EU average of two years - however, the new Bill see the UK introduce on of the toughe...

Justin Welcomes New Package Of Government Measures To Support Disabled People

Jun 26, 2019

A new drive to tackle barriers faced by disabled people has been welcomed by North Swindon MP, and Minister for Disability, Work and Health, Justin Tomlinson.The Prime Minster this week announced a package of measures to tackle injustices faced by disabled people in the workplace, at home and in the community.To address the issue of disabled people living in unsuitable homes, the Government will consult on mandating higher accessibility standards for new homes – which could help deliver up to 30...

Swindon Advertiser Column: We Need To Ensure People Better Understand Hidden Disabilities

Jun 24, 2019

One of my biggest passions is sport, and football in particular. I never need much of an excuse to put on my boots for a kickabout so I was delighted this week when I got the opportunity to play football as part of my role as the minister for disabled people.I was lucky enough to be invited to take part in the Mencap Inclusive Football Tournament, joining people with learning disabilities, Mencap colleagues, members of the Special Olympics, and staff from Arsenal in the Community, to help fight ...