As many parts of the economy are springing back into action, this month, Julian has continued to visit several businesses across the constituency, including in Pateley Bridge, Nidderdale, Skipton and Settle. While the situation continues to be tough for many businesses and despite the pause in our progress along the roadmap, it has been good to see business pick up pace, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Out and about in Pateley Bridge, Julian visited the Pateley Bridge Pharmacy, the Tordoff gallery and Kendall’s Farm Butchers. Julian managed to catch up with Paul despite the high demand that day. Later on, Julian visited the Tordoff Gallery to see an impressive range of original film posters. The Gallery is a great addition to the High Street in Pateley Bridge and is certainly worth visiting.
Julian also visited Stump Cross Caverns in Nidderdale and talked to Lisa about the local hospitality and tourism sector and how difficult the situation has been.
Whilst in Settle, Julian dropped by local businesses and viewed the latest improvement works at Settle Victoria Hall together with their new outdoor spaces where they have run events during the pandemic. Julian also stopped at the Ye Olde Naked Man Café, an independent family run artisan bakery and café, for a bite to eat at lunchtime.
Julian also made spoken contributions in the chamber, including at Prime Minister’s Questions and the NI (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill. A Westminster Hall debate was held on 15 June about a new build hospital for Airedale Hospital. During the debate, Edward Argar MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, agreed to visit Airedale Hospital and stated that he looks forward to working closely with local MPs, including Julian and also Robbie Moore MP, Andrew Stephenson MP and Philip Davies MP, in seeking to deliver on the Government's ambition of levelling up and improving NHS services. Julian continues to make the case for the capital investment and continues to monitor developments closely.
Regular surgeries with constituents continue to take place – both face-to-face and via the telephone – and Julian has very regular meetings with local officials and NHS professionals regarding the Coronavirus situation in North Yorkshire.
Julian also spoke to pupils, whilst attending Q&A sessions online with Skipton Girls School, Sutton in Craven C of E Primary and Cundall Manor School during Parliament Workshops. A variety of questions were asked including about the role of an MP, Julian's past role as Chief Whip and how elections take place in the UK.
On the 21 June, there was a 4-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap. The Government will continue to monitor the data and the move to Step 4 will be confirmed one week in advance. Whilst Julian understands this will have been disappointing news, a number of rules on care home visits, domestic residential visits for children, weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wedding receptions and commemorative events changed on the 21 June. For further information, please click on the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
