News - Justin Tomlinson

Call For High Speed Rail Link

Oct 19, 2010

Swindon's top politicians yesterday called on the Government to electrify the Great Western rail line and slash journey times to London.Rod Bluh, leader of Swindon Borough Council, launched a campaign in Parliament in support of the electrification of the Great Western main line, alongside Swindon’s MPs Conservative Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson.They say the Tory-Lib Dem coalition must honour the previous Labour government’s plans, announced last year, to electrify the line between Sw...

Justin Tomlinson MP Speaks In The Anti-Slavery Debate

Oct 19, 2010

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to speak in this crucial debate. It is a credit to the decision to introduce Back-Bench business, and my hon. Friend Mr Bone opened it with great distinction.I share the concern that there are no robust estimates for the number of victims of trafficking in the UK. Having the figures for victims of trafficking is fundamental to raising awareness of the issue and ensuring that human trafficking is given due attention by local police force...

Nationwide Building Society Launches New Volunteers Scheme

Oct 18, 2010

Local Building Society Nationwide wants to hear from local charities and volunteer groups that need supportSwindon-based Nationwide Building Society has today launched a new employee volunteering programme - Nationwide Volunteers - which offers employees two days paid leave per year to dedicate to volunteering activities. Swindon local MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Rob Buckland along with Edie Fassnidge, from Volunteering England, attended the launch which took place at the organisation’s headquar...

Justin Tomlinson MP Supports Renewable Heat Incentives

Oct 12, 2010

Justin Tomlinson MP joined green campaigners and a solar-powered hot air balloon outside Parliament to show his support for clean, green heat for businesses and homes today.During the last Government, all parties pledged to introduce this incentive in April 2011.Justin Tomlinson MP said:“Heating our homes and businesses shouldn’t heat the planet - encouraging clean, green heat is essential if we’re to cut climate-changing carbon emissions. I’m backing a Renewable Heat Incentive that will create ...

Justin Tomlinson MP Launches Priam House, Heritage Plaza

Oct 12, 2010

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has launched Priam House in Heritage Plaza, the first phase of Thomas Homes’ exciting new landmark development on the site of the former Great Western Railway works.A major regeneration project, Heritage Plaza is in the heart of the town’s heritage district which consists of the National Trust, English Heritage, STEAM Museum, Designer Outlet Centre and the proposed new British Postal Museum.Comprising of five brand new residential blocks which will be released...

Justin Tomlinson MP Speaks In Bio-Diversity Debate

Oct 08, 2010

Thank you, Mr Crausby, for the opportunity to speak in this crucial debate. I must profess that I do not share the expertise of Barry Gardiner, but I do have a huge interest in the matter under discussion, and the residents I represent often write to me on issues connected with it. He made some excellent points about the need to quantify the environmental benefits and values of forest ecosystems and habitat projects-he referred to their "true value"-and I certainly support that principle. I hope...

Stratton Outlook Monthly Article

Oct 08, 2010

I recently secured my first Westminster Hall debate, for which I chose the subject of ‘The Future of Library Provision’. I have seen firsthand just how vital local libraries such as the Upper Stratton and Covingham libraries are to local communities and I am determined to support efforts to enhance and improve these facilities.I set out a proactive case for supporting our vital community libraries, through enhancing the book stock, opening times and library environment, and seeking to share serv...

Justin Tomlinson MP Checks Out Vital Gadgets To Help Older People Stay Safe

Oct 07, 2010

At this week’s Conservative Party Conference, Swindon North’s MP Justin Tomlinson checked out new gadgets that could transform the lives of older people and those with long term needs as well as saving the local council and health services money. Visiting the Carers UK/Tunstall Healthcare exhibition stand Justin (pictured with Ali Rogan from Tunstall) volunteered to have his vital signs checked.Using the latest telehealthcare equipment provided by world leaders Tunstall Healthcare meant Justin’s...

Justin Tomlinson MP Visits Swindon Samaritans

Oct 07, 2010

Justin Tomlinson MP, with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland recently visited the Swindon Samaritans premuses in Curtis Street to see how they have been supporting the area since 1967.The Swindon Samaritans mission is 'to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings and suicidal behaviour.'In 2009 Swindon Samaritans received over 33,000 contacts of which 30% of the people spoken to expressed suicidal thoughts or feelings at that time. In addition they launche...

Justin Tomlinson MP Visits Mini Plant And Test Drives Advanced Electric Car

Oct 04, 2010

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has test driven an advanced electric car at the town’s BMW/MINI factory, and welcomed this week’s successful field trial results on the new vehicle.He was given a tour of the plant in Stratton and took a first-hand look at what the future holds for the production plant, which is one of Swindon’s biggest employers.Mr Tomlinson also took the opportunity to take an all-electric MINI E for a test drive. The MINI E is an advanced electric vehicle which is being used ...