News Category - Justin Tomlinson

Swindon Advertiser Column - Another Year Gone In A Flash

Dec 29, 2023

2023 is coming to a close – another year gone by in a flash. As we head into the new year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by. As many will know, I am a passionate champion of independent businesses – particularly in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector. Throughout the year I have visited and supported many of Swindon’s amazing small independent businesses, such as Burt’s Books, Cabin and Cowshed, Highworth Emporium, Gurt Wings, Sugar Shack, and Café Vialottie. Earlier th...

Justin Welcomes New British Sign Language GCSE

Dec 27, 2023

The Government has announced it is to launch a new sign language GCSE, news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP, and former Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson MP. The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language. In line with all qualifications, the GCSE is open to all pupils and will be recognised and accepted in school and college performance tables. An internationally recognised qualification, pupils ...

Swindon Advertiser Column - New Rules Seek To Balance Need For Housing And Providing Communities With Powers To Block Poor Quality Development

Dec 22, 2023

Ahead of the final few shopping days before Christmas, there has been very welcome news that inflation has fallen again, now down to 3.9%. This is the lowest level it has been since 2021, before Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine sent global energy costs soaring. This is because we took the difficult decisions to get inflation under control, all measures opposed, as ever, by Labour. This is key for the economy as it eases the pressure on cost of living and increases the likelihood that mortgag...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Government Building On Its World Leading Animal Welfare Work

Dec 14, 2023

During my 13 years as an MP, some of the most popular campaigns residents contact me about are ones relating to animal welfare – the love people have for animals and the passion they have for ensuring their welfare is very clear to see. As an MP I have worked with several different organisations to support campaigns on a variety of animal welfare issues. One campaign I have consistently supported is for an end to the cruel practice of puppy farming and puppy smuggling. For nearly a decade I have...

Justin Thanks Residents For Generous Response To Gift Appeal

Dec 13, 2023

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed another great response to the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service Christmas Gift Appeal. It is the fourth year that Justin and the SDASS have teamed up to ask people to donate Christmas presents for families supported by the organisation both in the refuge and the wider community. Justin’s office was opened up as a drop off point for donations. As with previous years, residents were very generous with a plethora of gifts left under the Christmas ...

Justin Joins Local Developers To Discuss Planning Issues

Dec 11, 2023

Justin Tomlinson MP was recently invited to this year's Swindon and Wiltshire Action for Property meeting, where he delivered a speech to local developers on a wide range of topics, from planning to local success stories where development has been successful. He highlighted the news that local authorities can now increase the amount of money charged with planning applications - but emphasized the need for authorities to ensure that those funds are used to help speed up and improve resources for ...

Swindon Advertiser Column - A Heart-warming Response To Christmas Gift Appeal

Dec 08, 2023

This week, Parliament finally passed a firm commitment to deliver compensation to the infected blood victims, where up to 30,000 people were given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 80s. The Government rightly set up the Infected Blood inquiry in 2017 and had wanted the independent report to finalise its conclusions. However, the interim report had already set out the principal of compensation and with sadly a further victim losing their life every four days, we simply could not delay...

Justin Joins Blunsdon Community Shop For Q&A With Residents

Dec 01, 2023

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson attended a Residents' Questions and Answers session at Blunsdon Community Shop - providing residents with the valuable opportunity to learn more about his life in politics and government experiences. During the session, Justin shared insights into his early life and career before venturing into politics. He also discussed his journey as an MP, highlighting his significant role as the Minister for Disabled People during the COVID era. In this capacity, he played ...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Oasis Latest

Dec 01, 2023

The ongoing frustrating delays to the return of the Oasis continue, with the Swindon Advertiser covering concerns that the Labour Council were considering allowing a significant downgrade of the proposed pool facilities, including removing the need for a wave machine. Thankfully, Councillors and the Save Oasis campaign group made strong representations to the Council. I have quite a bit of knowledge in this area. Having been responsible for leisure on SBC in the 00’s, my former business (prior...

Swindon Advertiser Column - An Autumn Budget For Growth

Nov 24, 2023

This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Autumn Statement. The annual Autumn Statement is an opportunity for the government to provide the House of Commons with an update on the state of the economy, whilst also announcing any tax and spending decisions. Thanks to the progress the government has made on the priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt, this Autumn Statement saw a shift in focus towards the long-term decisions required to strengthen...