News Category - Justin Tomlinson

Prime Minister Calls Up North Swindon MP For Chequers Lunch With British Sports Stars

Dec 10, 2013

'When Saturday comes' took on a whole new meaning for North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson when he received a late call on Friday 6 December to join Prime Minister David Cameron for lunch at his country residence the following day. The PM hosted a gathering for British sports stars of the past, present and future and gave a speech about the contribution that sport makes to British culture. He also described the impact of sporting achievement on the nation's standing across the world. Justin said he...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 6th December

Dec 10, 2013

Whilst the annual Budget dates back centuries, the Autumn Statement is a relatively new addition to the Parliamentary calendar. First delivered by Denis Healey in 1976, it is a chance to outline the economic state of the nation and the Government’s financial plans.In 1976, Britain faced economic crisis, fuelled by spending commitments that vastly outpaced the taxes paid by hardworking families. Just a month before the Labour Chancellor delivered the first Autumn Statement, Britain had to turn ...

Justin Tomlinson MP Welcomes Autumn Statement

Dec 10, 2013

Britain’s economic plan is working, but the job is not yet done – we need to keep taking the difficult decisions to secure the economy for the long-term. The biggest risk to Britain comes from those who would abandon the plan – and borrow and spend more. Our long-term plan will secure a responsible recovery for all. The Autumn Statement shows the plan is working: Growth upgraded. GDP forecasts are revised up from 0.6% to 1.4% in 2013 and from 1.8% to 2.4% in 2014. Employment up. Forecasts of em...

Justin Champions Local Retailers During Parliamentary Debate

Dec 05, 2013

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, highlighted the importance of supporting local retailers, young entrepreneurs and the high street during a debate he led in Westminster. Justin, who is the Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Retail and Vice-Chair of the APPG for the High Street and Town Centre, outlined how Government is supporting the small-business owners who have led the recovery and how the £50million regeneration of Regent’s Circus will mean retailers can create new j...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 29th November

Dec 05, 2013

This week I co-sponsored a Parliamentary debate on the future of retail, with my fellow All-Party Parliamentary Group Chair for Retail, Ann Coffey MP. Growing up with my parents running shops, retail has always been a particular interest to me and it is also of particular importance to Swindon. Equidistant between Bristol and Reading and their big modern shopping centres, Swindon faces a challenge: the need to offer something different to stay ahead. There are people with influence in our Town...

Justin Backs Campaign To Get Local School Children Talking & Learning About Money

Dec 05, 2013

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has called on local schools to get their pupils talking and learning about money, as part of a charity’s new campaign to help improve the financial capability of young people. Every primary and secondary school in Swindon has been sent free Get Money Smart posters and teaching materials by national charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), which wants to get children talking about money in the classroom. The charity’s Get Money Smart posters – for chil...

New Figures Show Start-Up Loans Supporting Entrepreneurs Across Swindon

Nov 25, 2013

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed new figures that show the Government’s Start-Up Loans Scheme has helped ten entrepreneurs in Swindon set up their own business. Across the country 10,000 Start-Up Loans have now been awarded, worth a total of £50 million. Of these 10,000 Start-Up companies, they have gone on to employ a further 10,000 people further boosting the growing economy. Justin Tomlinson MP, a Small Business Ambassador for the Conservative Party commented: "Because of the financial crisi...

Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 22nd September

Nov 22, 2013

It has been forty years since the principle of selective education was largely abolished in Britain, a move reinforced by the first Blair Government in the late 1990s. No doubt the motives were well intentioned, but I question the outcomes. Selection is not something to be ashamed of, but a reflection of the status of the individual, the fact we are all good at something, just not always the same things. The challenge is building an education system that reflects this, an education system tha...

Justin Delighted By Summer Reading Challenge Success

Nov 21, 2013

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed a report from The Reading Agency which shows that a record 810,089 children took part in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge in libraries, a 9% increase on participation on 2012. 66,760 children joined the library to take part and 3.5 million children’s books were borrowed from libraries during the summer period. The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s leading reading for pleasure programme for primary aged children; it runs in 98% of local authorities every summe...

North Swindon MP Welcomes New £6million Flood Alleviation In Haydon Wick

Nov 21, 2013

A multi-million pound flood defence scheme in North Swindon has been officially unveiled. The Haydon Wick Flood Alleviation Scheme has been designed to protect surrounding homes after many were flooded during heavy rains in 2007. More than £6m was spent on the scheme which will protect 118 houses, four businesses and electricity sub-station from heavy rain storms. Work has been taking place over the last 18 months, which has involved laying 4km of sheeting, rebuilding five footbridges and replac...