Category: News & Articles
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November 18, 2020
York Press column – York must reopen safely in December
As the nights draw in, and we pass the halfway point in this month’s renewed lockdown, we can at least take comfort from some glimmers of light – the growing chance of a vaccine, and the new weapon of 15-minute tests, which can allow for mass localised testing of communities. Last week’s announcement by the […] -
November 13, 2020
Julian welcomes £650k Government funding boost for cycling and walking projects in York
Julian has today welcomed the news that York is to get a share of £175 million of funding that has been announced by the Government to help local authorities improve infrastructure for cycling and walking in their area. The fund is specifically designed to improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, with potential projects including […] -
November 12, 2020
Julian pushes Cabinet Office Ministers on listening to York’s leaders over future local coronavirus restrictions
This morning in the House of Commons, Julian asked Ministers at the Cabinet Office to listen carefully to feedback from City of York Council and other local authorities when deciding on the future shape of coronavirus measures in the city, when the current national lockdown expires on 2nd December. At Questions to the Minister for […] -
November 11, 2020
Julian lobbies Boris Johnson on easing York covid restrictions in December and local 15-minute mass testing at PMQs
Today, at Prime Minister’s Questions, Julian pressed Boris Johnson on the importance of York returning to the lowest tier 1 level (medium alert) of restrictions when the renewed national lockdown expires on 2nd December in line with the fall in the virus locally, and asked him to call on City of York Council to accept […] -
November 10, 2020
Julian questions Health Secretary on ensuring new 15 minute coronavirus tests come to York
This afternoon in the House of Commons, Julian pushed the Health Secretary to confirm York’s allocation of new rapid turnaround coronavirus tests, to help the city manage the issues created by having to protect a large student population alongside permanent residents. The Health Secretary updated the House on encouraging progress towards a coronavirus vaccine, and […] -
November 10, 2020
Julian presses Ministers on easing lockdown to save local businesses
Today in the House of Commons, Julian Sturdy questioned Ministers in the Department for Business on lifting restrictions after this month’s lockdown to help York businesses survive. At Questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Julian Sturdy asked: “The government’s new support measures for businesses provide a genuine lifeline, however […] -
November 9, 2020
Julian presses Home Secretary for commitment to rural police services
Julian asked the Home Secretary, Priti Patel MP, for a commitment that new North Yorkshire Police recruits would be used to improve rural police presence rather than be purely focussed on city centres. This follows reports of a break in at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall and York’s Conservative Councillors raising reports of antisocial […] -
November 6, 2020
Julian helps deliver government concessions on UK food standards in Agriculture Bill
Having rebelled against the government in successive votes on the Agriculture Bill to demand stronger guarantees on the protection of UK food standards against lower-grade imports in future trade agreements, Julian has welcomed concessions by Ministers to strengthen independent scrutiny of the effect of trade deals, and create a legal duty on government to report […] -
November 6, 2020
Position on November coronavirus lockdown
On Wednesday I reluctantly voted in favour of the new national restrictions, lasting from 5th November until 2nd December. Although the government’s decision is in line with that taken by our European neighbours, with France, Germany and Spain all imposing tough new measures, I have significant reservations about the impact on households and the economy. […] -
November 5, 2020
York Press column – New lockdown tests our city’s resolve
This weekend it is Remembrance Sunday, and although York’s traditional commemoration is sadly curtailed by coronavirus, our thoughts will still turn to those from our community who endured great trials to preserve our way of life, a reminder that the people of York do not give up easily. The return to national lockdown this week […]
