Julian's Priorities

Protecting our Green Belt

Living on the edge of York, we are fortunate to be surrounded by magnificent countryside. We live in a beautiful part of the world, but we must always be on our guard to protect it.

This Government’s Localism Bill will reinforce local residents’ rights to defend their towns and villages from unwanted developments. Elsewhere, however, the Draft National Planning Policy Framework threats to swing the planning pendulum in favour of developers. To find out what I am doing to protect our Green Belt and Greenfield areas please visit the Local News page.

Crime and anti-social behaviour

Since being elected I have met frequently with our local police officers. From the opening of a new police station at Clifton Moor, to joining the police on the beat in York, I have spoken with officers on the ground to hear their views about the challenges facing policing at present.
 
We will never forget some of the violent rioting scenes from mid-2011 and we must always remember the sheer bravery of our police officers who always go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our streets safe.

Fighting for a fair transport deal

Without continued investment in our infrastructure we risk simply grinding to a halt. The chaotic congestion of the Northern Ring Road and A64 not only slows down residents and local businesses, but also increases the risk of accidents too.

Since being elected, I have made specific requests to the Transport Secretary about funding for such important road corridors. In the meantime, the Government has already agreed to electrify the Transpennine rail link between Manchester and York. In addition, funding from central Government has been provided for two more park and ride sites across our city. In 2012 I shall be working with a range of local stakeholders to put together a new transport strategy for York so watch this space for more news!

Modernising and protecting our NHS

My son was born at York hospital and the standard of care George and my wife Victoria received was second to none. I want that standard of care to continue. Yet with fresh medical breakthroughs, an ageing population and the increasing cost of drugs, our NHS faces huge challenges in the future.

Without reform, the National Health Service will simply be unable to cope, and thus unable to offer the exception levels of care that we have come to expect. As such I fully support the Government's health reforms and throughout the legislative process I sat on the Health's Bill scrutiny committee to ensure that our NHS was going to be protected.

With sufficient safeguards in place, and over £5 billion of extra funds from central Government over the next few years, I believe that we are putting the NHS on a sustainable, quality-focused path.

Tackling the North-South divide

One of the most woeful legacies of Labour's thirteen years in power was their failure to tackle the North-South economic divide. Despite plenty of huff and puff, the divide between northern and southern economies grew wider under Labour.

Thankfully, under this Government a range of new policies are being implemented to support our northern hubs. Regional Growth Funds, Local Enterprise Partnerships and the empowering of certain local authorities to set and keep their own business rates will make a huge difference to the competitive nature of northern cities.