News - Justin Tomlinson

Covid Restrictions Eased As Part 3 Of The Government's Roadmap Begins

May 17, 2021

Part 3 of the Government’s Roadmap Out of Lockdown begins today, with some key restrictions eased. Changes to the rules include: Up to six people or two households can meet inside Overnight stays allowed. Up to 30 people are able to meet outside Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can resume indoor service. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and children’s play areas can reopen. Indoor group sports and exercise classes can resume. Up to 30 people can attend wedding...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Government Promises A 'Turbo-Charged' Covid Recovery

May 14, 2021

I was delighted to see our positive vision for Swindon was rewarded with our best ever performance in the local elections. Our majority on Swindon Borough Council increased from 3 to 15, gaining seats across Swindon we have never previously won. I am very proud of all our candidates who have worked so hard. I wish to congratulate all the newly elected Councillors who have a wonderful opportunity to champion their respective communities and I look forward to working with them in coming years. ...

Animals To Be Formally Recognised As Sentient Beings in Domestic Law

May 13, 2021

Government introduces Bill to formally recognise animals as sentient beings Animal Sentience Committee will put animal sentience at heart of government policy Bill introduced as part of government’s first of a kind Action Plan for Animal Welfare Vertebrate animals will be recognised as sentient beings for the first time in UK law thanks to the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, introduced in Parliament today. The legislation will also ensure that animal sentience is taken into...

Government Unveils Legislative Programme For The Year Ahead

May 11, 2021

Levelling up and the Covid recovery were at the centre of Government plans, as it announced its legislative programme for the next year during The Queen’s Speech. As the UK emerges from the upheaval of the Covid pandemic, the Government has promised to harness the UK’s ingenuity and resolve to build back better and create a healthier stronger and more prosperous nation. Throughout the pandemic we have seen the NHS rise to the incredibly challenging circumstances, where the UKs health infrastru...

Swindon Conservatives Celebrate Historic Election Results

May 11, 2021

Swindon Conservatives were left celebrating after unprecedented wins in key wards saw them gain a 15-sear majority on Swindon Borough Council. Sudha Sri became the first Conservative elected to represent the Rodbourne Cheney ward, taking the seat made vacant by the death of previous Labour councillor Des Moffatt. In Penhill and Upper Stratton Dan Smith beat Labour candidate Ravi Venkatesh, to become the Conservative’s second councillor elected to the ward, after Oladapo Ibitoye became the firs...

Taskforce Launched To Investigate Reported Rise In Pet Thefts

May 10, 2021

A Pet Theft Taskforce has been launched today to investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown, news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson. Sales platforms have reported a considerable rise in puppy and kitten prices over the course of the past year following more people deciding to buy or adopt a pet. Recent reports have suggested that this may be leading to a rise in pet thefts. According to DogsTrust, the price for five of the UK’s most s...

Government Confirms Next Step Out Of Lockdown

May 10, 2021

The Government has confirmed that the UK has met the four tests for further easing of lockdown in England, meaning that Step 3 of the Roadmap Out of Lockdown can go ahead as planned. The tests to decide whether the time was right for restrictions to be eased earlier included: the continued success of the vaccine rollout; evidence that vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths; infections rates do not threated a surge in hospitalisations leading to unsustainable ...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Irrespective Of Politics Council Candidates Have Worked Hard For Votes

May 07, 2021

When the English poet Alfred Austin spoke of gardening he said, “hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.” And how right he was. For those fortunate enough to have gardens, it is a busy time of year as the lawn mower is back out and the spring flowers are fading in turn for the bright colours of summer. For those that don’t have gardens, we are lucky to have lots of beautiful places that we can visit to view some sp...

50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in UK

May 04, 2021

- Over 50 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered - Over 29% of all UK adults have received the strongest possible protection Over 50 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the UK, with over a quarter of adults having received both doses. Health services across the UK administered a total of 50,089,549 million vaccines between 8 December 2020 and 2 May 2021, including 34 million people with their first dose and 15 million with their second. Data from...

Justin Joins Community Gardeners To Open New Greenhouse

May 03, 2021

North Swindon MP joined community gardeners in Tadpole Garden Village to open a new Community Greenhouse and learn about their work to promote mental health awareness. The Open Plot event was organised by Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom, a group of volunteers who run the allotments at Tadpole Garden Village (TGV) and help maintain green spaces around TGV. Justin officially opened their new community greenhouse which is a brilliant addition to the allotments. The greenhouse and allotments were ...