Thursday will see the election of the first ever Mayor of York and North Yorkshire

Keane Duncan for Mayor has a plan for:

✅ Our police
✅ Local farmers and fishermen
✅ Affordable homes
✅ Jobs & investment
✅ Transport
✅ Thriving communities

Polling stations: northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/e…

Really enjoyed visiting Glasshouses Community Primary School today to meet with pupils and speak to them about being an MP

It was also great to see so many of them fighting for a road crossing outside the school, with safety a real concern at the moment

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-vi…

Really sorry to hear of the death of Frank Field. He was a unique and outstanding public servant working cross party to deliver for those most in need of a strong and relentless voice & advocate.

The first duty of any government is to protect its citizens.

I fully support Rishi Sunak's announcement today to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This significant increase will boost our security at home and strength abroad.

More at:

juliansmith.org.uk/news/prime-min…

I really enjoyed visiting Glusburn Arts Centre last week for an update on what they've been doing and to find out more about their Community Ownership Fund application.

It's a fantastic community initiative with some brilliant staff and volunteers!

juliansmith.org.uk/news/julian-of…

When our adversaries threaten peace and stability, we will always stand in their way.

Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel.

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.