At this month's cross-party meeting with fellow MPs, NYC, Policing, Fire, Health & Care leaders, I raised a number of issues on behalf of constituents:
Wildfire response & resilience
Pressed for clarity on how farmers, gamekeepers and local contractors who’ve stepped in to protect land, livestock and property during the Langdale Moor fire can be properly recognised and remunerated.
Raised serious concerns about Natural England’s proposals to restrict controlled (“cool”) burning on peat. This risks leaving much of the North York Moors unmanaged, increasing wildfire dangers.
Stressed the need to learn lessons and ensure our fire service has the resources to meet future risks.
Shoplifting & policing
As former Small Business Minister I highlighted concerns that shoplifting is eroding confidence for local businesses and shoppers here in North Yorks which our police are working incredibly hard on. We must focus on the small number of prolific offenders who cause the greatest harm and to make sure retailers feel reporting crime is worthwhile.
Solar & land use
Highlighted growing concern over the number of solar farm and battery storage applications across our constituency. We need a joined-up approach that balances renewable energy with food security, landscape and tourism impacts.
Fair funding for North Yorkshire
Backed calls for changes to government funding formulas that disadvantage rural councils, especially around school transport, highways, and flood risk. I'll be writing a cross-party letter open to all North Yorkshire MPs to sign pressing government for a fairer settlement.
I’ll continue to work with colleagues across parties and agencies to ensure practical policies, fair treatment for communities and proper resources for North Yorkshire.
