News Category - Justin Tomlinson

Swindon Advertiser Column - Constructive Campaign Saves Highworth Gold Course

Jan 28, 2022

If you have been to Highworth over the last few weeks, you won't have failed to notice the “Save Highworth Golf Course” signs across the town and surrounding area in response to plans to build 300 houses on the old golf course. I know how important the old golf course is to the town - as demonstrated by the 4,500 people who signed a petition to express their concerns and objections to the plans. When it comes to planning and development, I have always tried to be constructive and pragmatic - I...

Justin Asks Department For Transport For Update On DVLA Delays

Jan 25, 2022

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has received an update from the Department for Transport, following questions he raised concerning delays at the DVLA. Drivers across the country have been left frustrated with delays to the processing of their driving licence applications and renewals. The delays were caused by social distancing rules which meant fewer people on site to process the 60,000 pieces of mail received by the DVLA every day - including driving licence and renewal applications. These ...

Justin Joins GEL Studios To Announce Winner Of Bespoke Website

Jan 21, 2022

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson joined GEL Studios as it presented a bespoke website worth over £5,000 to not-for-profit organisation Swindon Sisters Alliance. Justin sat on the judging panel that helped decided the winner from a shorlist of other local charity and community organisations. Other members of the panel included, CEO of Swindon Town Football Club, Rob Angus, Angela Atkinson, Swindon 105.5 Station Manager, Shirley Ludford and New Elements, Rod Hebden. Swindon Sisters Alliance is a...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Fan-Led Review Will Help Protect Football Clubs

Jan 21, 2022

I am sure that many Swindon Town fans will be sympathising with Derby County fans, who are currently experiencing the same uncertainty that Swindon Town fans did last summer. Derby Football Club was one of the founding Football League clubs – their very existence now under threat. Earlier this week I spoke in the chamber to call on the Government to take urgent action, and for all parties to work together. Not only are football clubs important to their fans, but they play a vital role in local ...

Prime Minister Announces End Of Plan B Restrictions

Jan 20, 2022

In November scientists in South Africa detected the emergence of a new transmissable Covid-19 variant. The Government implemented the Plan B measures prepared precisely in case the situation deteriorated, encouraging people to change their behaviour to slow the spread of the virus and buying crucial time to get boosters into arms. NHS and its volunteers delivered the fastest booster programme in Europe, reaching half the population before any other European country, with more than 36 million bo...

Changes To Self-Isolation Rules In England

Jan 17, 2022

From today, people self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature. However, people who are still positive on their rapid lateral flow tests must stay in isolation until they have had 2 consecutive negative tests taken on separate days – e.g. – if you test positive on day 5, you must have negative tests on days 6 and 7. The change has been made after careful considera...

Justin Welcomes Local Firms’ Expansion Plans

Jan 17, 2022

Justin Tomlinson MP has visited family-run Swindon firm Les Smith Haulage. The business which provides professional logistics service to many well-known local companies has been operating for over 45 years. Currently based next to the WH Smith HQ, the business has exciting plans to expand, creating more local jobs in Swindon. The visit was an opportunity to discuss issues including HGV drivers and look at the exciting expansion plans. Justin commented, “Les Smith is a recognisable Swindon bus...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Swindon Town Did Themselves Proud

Jan 14, 2022

What a night at the County Ground last Friday! The sell-out crowd were treated to a proper cup match; TV cameras, a penalty miss and goals. The Swindon Town players gave a very good account of themselves against one of the best (and most expensive) teams in the world – you can’t really ask for more. Also what a moment for Harry McKirdy, scoring against City, something no Chelsea or Manchester United player has managed this season! It is safe to say that Swindon Town has come a long way in the...

Justin Tomlinson MP Visits Abbey Park School

Jan 14, 2022

The school council (over 100 students) at Abbey Park School had an opportunity to put their questions to North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson after he paid the school a visit this morning. Justin gave a speech on his role as an MP and how he splits his time between Swindon and Westminster, before opening up the floor to questions from the pupils, covering a wide variety of issues including climate change, social care, and the economic recovery from Covid. Following this, Justin then ran an interact...

Justin Welcomes Government Plans To Ban Online Racists From Football Stadiums

Jan 13, 2022

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed government plans to ban online racist trolls from stadiums for up to 10 years. The Home Secretary Priti Patel is bringing forward legislation so that football banning orders, which can currently be imposed on people convicted of violence, disorder and racist or homophobic chanting, will be extended to cover online hate offences. The move comes after black players in the England football team were subject to disgraceful racism following the Euro 2020...