I visited the Knavesmire Children’s Centre today, which opened in 2010 and is one of nine children’s centres in York.  Children’s centres offer childcare, parenting skills, health and family support services.  Childminders also meet regularly at the Centre to share … More…

I called on the Transport Minister, Theresa Villiers, in the House of Commons today, to route the Government’s proposed new “High Speed 2” railway from London, via cities in the East Midlands – Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, to Sheffield and … More…

I wrote to the Minister for Housing, Grant Shapps today, in response to the report just published by Shelter on the housing market.  The sensational findings of the report are that York has the most unaffordable rents in Yorkshire and … More…

I visited Acomb Methodist Church Hall, in Front Street, Acomb today to join Teacher Ami Walker and members of the Black Velvet Dance Class for a line dancing class.   The class is one of a series of events which … More…

I attended a chess training day at Clifton Green Primary school in Kingsway, York this morning.  I met members of the club and accepted a challenge to a game from one of the junior members.   The aim of the … More…

This morning the House of Commons International Development Committee, of which I am a member, put out a press release welcoming BAE Systems’ belated confirmation that it will pay £29.5 million to the Tanzanian Government as required by the court … More…

I visited York House in Heslington Road today.  York House is a pioneering centre which is developing new ways to support and rehabilitate people with serious brain injuries.  I met the centre’s Chief Executive and some of the people who … More…

Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire MP, has responded to a Parliamentary Question which I tabled in the House of Commons on 12 July to seek information about the allocation of government funding for the North Yorkshire Police Authority for the … More…

I visited the Funfishers Holiday Club at Fishergate School today for their “Fun on Wheels Day”, a day when children attending the Holiday Club are encouraged to bring their own bicycles, scooters and skates. Funfishers was originally set up in … More…