An incredible achievement from those involved & the vast majority of NI citizens who voted for it. From the current polarisation of politics & society, the Good Friday Agreement process, agreement & democratic underpinning is a lesson to urgently & continually return to

Good news North Yorkshire Council has been awarded £7.8m this year in SEND funding, providing specialist support for children with autism, learning and mobility difficulties, and more.

It will make a real difference to the lives of children across Skipton and Ripon.…

Brilliant news that 5 local schools have been awarded funding to improve their buildings and grounds.

It's a crucial capital investment in school infrastructure that will ensure every child is able to access the education they deserve.

juliansmith.org.uk/news/five-loca…

This week marks the start of the rollout of the largest ever expansion of our childcare offer, with eligible parents of 2-year-olds now able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week.

It’s great news for hardworking families across Skipton and Ripon.

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-we…

Very sorry to hear this news Simon Coveney - thank you for all your relentless & dedicated public service both for Dublin & for Northern Ireland. Onward!

The selection of Gavin Robinson as DUP interim leader is a very positive decision. He & Emma Little-Pengelly BL played a key role in a tough negotiation to restore powersharing & along with other DUP colleagues will chart a positive course for the future.

Brilliant news that Ingleton Outdoor Swimming Pool and Settle Area Swimming Pool have been awarded £65,000 to improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs.

A fantastic result meaning residents and schools can continue to enjoy these facilities for years to come.

juliansmith.org.uk/news/ps66000-a…

Work on the new Airedale Hospital is underway and it was very useful to get an update from the CEO recently.

Airedale's inclusion in the New Hospital Programme is a massive win for Craven residents.

We must deliver this state-of-the-art facility by 2030!…

540 young people across Skipton and Ripon started an apprenticeship last year. They're developing new skills, securing good jobs and starting their careers.

Real reform will kickstart careers and support small businesses.

Find out more at:

juliansmith.org.uk/news/major-ref…

Over half a million in extra funding this month to go to expanding adult social care and supporting innovation.

Fantastic news for caregivers and receivers across Skipton and Ripon - but there's still a long way to go.

You can find out more at:

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-we…

The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country.

To mark English Tourism Week, I dropped into the Prison & Police museum today (part of Ripon Museums)

A tour with the Director and Curator gave me some insight into the work they're doing to reach out to more diverse audiences.

We have some great museums across Skipton and…

Four years ago Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives announced the 'furlough' scheme, which saved probably 11 million people from being made redundant.

It cost £billions.
It's part of the reason we're still struggling to get taxes back down.
But it worked.

Very sorry to hear - a legend. And a prime example of the critical institutional experience & memory of many many individual members of UK Civil Service to succes of the UK

Very sorry to see Leo Varadkar step down. He has served his country tirelessly in his two stints at the top. Onward!

This week offered incredible opportunities to promote Northern Ireland in what has traditionally been an Ireland-USA focus in events.

I love Northern Ireland.

I am passionate about this wee place we call home and all our potential.

I am excited about what we can achieve! 🚀

Visited Giggleswick School to meet some bright and engaging politics students.

Also useful to catch up with the Headmaster. We must recognise the value of private schools, not just to families but also as major employers and contributors to local communities.

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-qu…

Met with North Yorkshire Council for an update on the closure of the A59 and the realignment project.

I appreciate the frustration at yet another lengthy closure but am reassured they are working to repair the damage as quickly and safely as possible.

Details at:

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-me…

Investment in grassroots sport facilities is one of the best ways we can promote a happier, healthier and more prosperous life.

Fantastic news that nearly £300,000 has been invested across Skipton and Ripon already. More to come I hope!

juliansmith.org.uk/news/investmen…

Great to open the new Barclays Local site in Skipton.

With the closure of the Skipton branch, it’s so important that residents and businesses continue to have access to good, local, in-person banking services.

Thanks to those who made this possible.

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-op…