News Category - Justin Tomlinson

Swindon Advertiser Column - Parliament Goes Digital

Apr 24, 2020

Parliament has returned this week and what a difference to normal proceedings. The majority of MPs have been told to stay away and use technology to access Parliamentary debates, questions, statements etc. We are using Zoom, a computer programme which allows you to speak and be seen via your computer’s camera and microphone. Many users can join a Zoom session, allowing everybody to see each other. These Zoom sessions have also been broadcast on Parliament TV, allowing members of the public to v...

Thousands Of Swindon Businesses Benefit From Government Grants

Apr 23, 2020

2,066 business properties within the Swindon Borough Council area have already received grants as part of the Government’s Small Business Grants Scheme. In total, more than £25,280,000 has made its way to small businesses in the local area. In recognition of the extraordinary pressures facing small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has launched the Small Business Grants Scheme, backed by £12.3 billion. The funding is provided to local authorities, who are then able to of...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Providing Support To Frontline Workers Is Utmost Priority For Government

Apr 17, 2020

It has been very moving seeing our country come together to celebrate the incredible work of NHS staff and care workers via the recent national round of applause. Providing support to those who are doing a tremendous job on the frontline of the coronavirus response has been the utmost priority for the Government since the outbreak. This week, the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, published an action plan for adult social care in England. This plan sets out how we will minimise the spread of cor...

Swindon MPs welcomes £61m debt write-off for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Apr 14, 2020

Swindon MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland have welcomed the announcement that Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust will benefit from a £61m debt write-off as part of the government’s announcement to scrap £13.4bn of NHS debt across England. This debt write-off will rid more than a hundred NHS hospitals of historic debt, freeing them up to invest in maintaining vital services and longer-term infrastructure improvements. This announcement also comes alongside a new NHS funding model to make su...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Thousands Of Charities Will Benefit From £750 Million Package Of Support

Apr 10, 2020

Earlier this week we had a stark reminder of how indiscriminate the Coronavirus is as the Prime Minister himself was moved to intensive care as he battles the virus. This was a real shock to us all. He is receiving the best possible care at St Thomas’ Hospital, and I hope you will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery. I have been overwhelmed with best wishes for both the PM and his partner Carrie, and I am very much looking forward to seeing him back to work and leading the efforts to tack...

Chancellor Announces £750 Million Package Of Support For Charities During Coronavirus Outbreak

Apr 09, 2020

Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak – news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson. Tens of thousands of charities providing vital services will benefit from direct cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus as well as continuing their day-to-day activities supporting those in need. As part of the package, £360 million will be di...

Justin Welcomes The Introduction Of Lucy's Law

Apr 06, 2020

The end of puppy smuggling has come one step closer as Lucy's Law comes into force. The new law aims to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens by banning third-party sales in England. Anyone wishing to buy a puppy or kitten must now buy directly from the breeder, and licensed breeders must show the puppies and kittens interacting with their mothers in their place of birth. The news has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson who has consistently campaigned f...

Swindon Advertiser Column - An Impressive Response To Coronavirus

Apr 03, 2020

Hopefully, as the second week of the new measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus comes to an end, we are all adjusting to the unprecedented impact on our lives. Currently, my office are working remotely from home, and we are still working hard to support residents. Last week I even gave evidence at a Select Committee meeting via video link - which was a first for Parliament! (Thankfully the technology held up!) I have been very impressed with Swindon Borough Council’s response to this signif...

Swindon MPs Urge Vulnerable Residents To Sign Up For Government Coronavirus Support

Apr 02, 2020

Swindon MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson are urging all vulnerable residents in Swindon to sign up for Government Coronavirus Support. They are also calling for anyone who has a family member, friend or neighbour who is vulnerable to check that they have signed up. Both Members of Parliament can also provide assistance over the telephone to those who struggle with the internet. If you have a medical condition which makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), you can registe...

Swindon MPs Call On Community Groups To Apply For Share Of £10m Tree Fund

Apr 01, 2020

Swindon MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson are calling for local community and volunteer groups and individuals in the town to apply for a share of the £10million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects. Launched in May 2019, the Forestry Commission has opened round two of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, which aims to support the planting of more than 130,000 trees across England’s towns and cities. This announcement of round two opening follows the...