Supporting Rural Communities

Agriculture is a key part of our local economy, heritage and way of life. I regularly speak with farmers and landowners about the sector's challenges and opportunities. Since April 2023, £34 million has been invested in farming in Skipton and Ripon. In January, the former Government announced a major update to farming schemes, increasing payment rates by an average of 10%. I will continue to push the new Government to maintain strong funding for farmers.

Farmers in Skipton and Ripon received £566,251 from the Animal Health and Welfare Equipment fund to invest in equipment that improves livestock care and farm efficiency. I will work to ensure the new Government builds on this support.

Protecting nature is also crucial. North Yorkshire Council received £388,000 to create a strategy for nature recovery and I helped secure £1.4 million for the Great North Bog conservation project. Additionally, funding was awarded to projects like ‘Denton Park Estate’ and ‘Heart of the Dales’ under the Landscape Recovery scheme and I will advocate for the new Government to continue these efforts.

News

Julian Smith MP welcomes return of Tour de Yorkshire

Julian Smith MP welcomes yesterday’s announcement that the Tour de Yorkshire will be returning to Skipton as part of its 2018 route. Next year, Skipton will feature in stage four of the race which this year has been extended to four days.

Julian Smith MP visits NorVap

Julian Smith MP visits NorVap, a business in Skipton that manufactures and services medical anaesthesia equipment. Julian met with several members of the team including General Manager, Andrew Milford and he received a tour of their head office, machine shop and specialist assembly room. Julian Sm

Julian Smith MP visits Arla Creamery

Julian Smith MP met with Arla employees and local farmers at the Arla site in Settle to tour the creamery and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.

Julian Smith MP attends meeting to discuss the Skipton to Colne rail line

Julian Smith MP attended a meeting hosted by Andrew Stephenson, the MP for Pendle, and SELRAP (the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership) to explore options for fast tracking the reopening of the Skipton-Colne rail line. The meeting was very well attended, with representatives from Arup,

Julian Smith MP visits Farmison & Co

Julian Smith MP met with the managing director and co-founder of Farmison & Co, John Pallagi, and his business partner, Lee Simmonds, at their premises in Ripon on Friday to discuss the British meat sector and their work. Farmison & Co was set up as an online butcher in Ripon in 2011 and of

Julian Smith MP visits Black Sheep Brewery

Julian Smith MP visited Black Sheep Brewery in Masham to meet Andrew Slee, the new chairman of the brewery, and Jo Theakston, the managing director. Black Sheep is a major employer in Masham, producing cask, keg and bottled beers and creating new and experimental brews.

Julian Smith meets the Yorkshire Fine Hotels Group

Julian Smith MP met with members of the Yorkshire Fine Hotels Group at the Swinton Estate near Masham, including Ripley Castle, The Coniston Hotel, The Devonshire Arms and Swinton Park Hotel.