Category: News & Articles
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January 13, 2021
York Press column – We Must Not Lose Sight of Progress Amidst the Storm of the Resurgent Pandemic
As we get back into what has unfortunately become well-rehearsed routines with the return of a national lockdown, it is imperative that we do not lose hope for 2021 amidst the storm of the resurgent pandemic. With three vaccines now approved and nearly one-hundred-and-fifty million doses secured, we can now begin to chart a course over […] -
January 12, 2021
Julian questions Health Secretary on ensuring equal vaccine access for York’s villages
This morning, Julian asked Matt Hancock to ensure uniform access to the coronavirus vaccine, so those in outlying communities do not receive it behind those in urban centres. Vaccination in York is being organised across GP practices, with vaccination centres at Haxby Health Centre, and a mass vaccination site at Askham Bar managed by the […] -
January 6, 2021
Parliamentary approval of new lockdown regulations
I reluctantly supported the imposition of renewed lockdown measures in the House of Commons this evening, on the basis that the enormous spike in infections driven by the more contagious new variant of the virus leaves us with no alternative. Our local case rate has spiralled from 65 per 100,000 just before Christmas to approaching […] -
January 6, 2021
Lockdown education and exams announcement
“I welcome the Education Secretary’s clarification today that GCSE and A-level grades will be awarded this summer via teacher assessment in place of cancelled exams. This gives certainty to pupils, parents, and teachers, and should avoid any repeat of last summer’s attempt to impose grades via algorithm, with schools instead trusted this year to fairly […] -
January 5, 2021
Financial Support For Businesses During Lockdown
As with the original lockdown, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has put in place a comprehensive plan to ensure businesses are supported through this next stage of the pandemic. Retail, hospitality and leisure business premises forced to close can claim a one-off grant of up to £9,000.The one-off additional grant each business premises will receive depends […] -
January 5, 2021
Lockdown Rules and Guidelines
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night, England will enter another national lockdown from the early hours of tomorrow although everyone is urged to follow guidance from now. This new lockdown see the return and reinforcement of the ‘Stay At Home’ messaging which was originally introduced in March when measures were first put in place. […] -
January 4, 2021
Statement on New National Lockdown Measures
After the challenges and hardships of the last year, it is very disappointing to be re-entering lockdown and experiencing the sacrifices associated with it. However, with York’s escalating case rate it was inevitable that further measures would be needed locally to suppress the virus. I am particularly concerned regarding the return to virtual distanced learning […] -
January 1, 2021
York Press: New Year Message
After a very tough 2020, more than ever I want to wish all York residents a very Happy New Year, in the hope that things can only get better. Coronavirus has meant sacrifices from the public on a scale not seen since the Second World War. I extend my deepest sympathy to families directly impacted, […] -
December 30, 2020
York into tier 3 and schools reopening
“The move into tier 3 is unquestionably a major blow for the city, especially our large hospitality sector now forced to close, but given York’s virus rate has rocketed from 65 to 240 per 100,000 in just two weeks, is sadly unavoidable. Tiers continue to be reviewed every two weeks, and we still have the […] -
December 30, 2020
My vote for the Brexit trade agreement
“Today, I will happily vote in favour of the trade and cooperation agreement the government has concluded with the EU, securing ongoing free trade and friendly collaboration with our European neighbours, while regaining full national independence, and allowing our country to seek out new opportunities in the wider world. This sensible agreement draws a line […]
