Harrogate MP

Harrogate MP Tom Gordon

 

Tom Gordon backs Ambitious about Autism

Recently, Tom Gordon attended a drop in event hosted by Ambitious about Autism. The event highlighted the importance of supporting people with autism, and the challenges that many people with autism face. Tom met a number of young people with autism, who talked with him about the challenges they face, and to hear their stories firsthand.

Tom has had a number of constituents email in asking him to attend the event, which he was delighted to do. Over the last few months, he has visited a number of places in Harrogate and Knaresborough that support children and young people with SEND, including Horticap, Henshaws College and Artizan Café.. Commenting, Tom said: “It was great to talk to the team and young people at this event. There are some great schools supporting people with autism in Harrogate and Knaresborough, such as Henshaws college and Springwater School.

“Lots of constituents have contacted me about challenges they face getting the support they need for themselves and loved ones. We need to make sure that everyone with autism, and those who care for them, are properly supported.”

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Local MP Tom Gordon Stands Up for Farmers in Parliamentary Debate

 On 4^th December, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, took a stand for the country’s farmers during a parliamentary debate.

During the debate, Tom intervened on Jess Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester, to highlight the challenges faced by local farmers. He shared insights from a recent meeting with a farming family in his constituency, who expressed their concerns about Labour’s proposed plans to scrap inheritance tax exemptions for farmers. The family warned that such a policy would be a devastating blow to family farms.

However, it was clear to Tom that Labour’s plans to scrap inheritance tax exemptions for farmers are just one of the many challenges they face. The farming family highlighted another pressing issue: the skyrocketing cost of fertiliser in recent years, which has further squeezed their already tight pockets and threatened their livelihoods. Echoing their concerns in Parliament, Tom described how farmers are grappling with what he called ‘a perfect storm of challenges.’

In the debate, Tom also criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to deliver promised support, citing a £227 million underspend in crucial funding for farmers. He called on the current government to ensure this funding is carried forward and to prioritise meaningful support for the farming community.

Tom and his Liberal Democrat colleagues have long been vocal in their opposition to Labour’s inheritance tax plans, describing them as yet another blow to family farms already under significant strain. They are urging the Chancellor to abandon the family farm tax and instead focus on policies that support rural communities.

Commenting, Tom said: ‘Family farmers across North Yorkshire have already been failed by a Conservative party that didn’t care about them – they can’t now be let down by a Labour government that doesn’t understand them. ‘The Liberal Democrats are standing up for rural communities and calling for an end to this disastrous family farm tax. Farmers in Harrogate and Knaresborough, and across North Yorkshire are already battling sky-high energy bills and the fallout from botched overseas trade deals. This tax hike will only make things worse. I urge the Government to rethink its plans and prioritise the needs of British farmers.’

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See what your MP has been up to the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP

Tom Gordon MP has launched a motion to celebrate the launch of ‘Merry Christmas Harrogate’, the new Christmas single launched by The Straymen to highlight all that there is in Harrogate this Christmas. The single was launched on the 29^th of November. It has been written by Simon Cotton and Joe Pearce, and is sung by the Straymen, formed specially for the song. It celebrates Harrogate in Christmas season.

Commenting, Tom said: “I wanted to recognise the hard work of all involved in producing this single by putting forward a motion to Parliament. It is about celebrating all that Harrogate is at Christmas. “Thank you to everyone involved in producing this single. It’s a great way to promote the town, and I hope that many people will watch it and come to Harrogate to see for themselves what a great town it is. “This has been yet another reminder of how lucky I am to be able to represent Harrogate and Knaresborough in Parliament.”

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Tom Gordon MP Calls for Better Home-to-School Transport for SEND Children

 On Tuesday 3^rd December, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough spoke in a Parliamentary debate highlighting the challenges faced by children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) regarding home-to-school transport.

Tom focused on the specific difficulties experienced by SEND children and their families in Harrogate and Knaresborough. As Tom explained, the area falls under North Yorkshire Council, which faces significant challenges in providing SEND services due to its vast rural geography and the limited number of specialist schools. This combination of rurality and insufficient local provision forces many children to undertake extremely long journeys to access appropriate education.

During a recent visit to a specialist school in the constituency, Tom learned of a pupil who travels over 30 miles each way in a local authority-funded taxi. This example highlights the immense strain on resources, with North Yorkshire Council projected to spend £27 million on SEND transport in the 2024/25 academic year alone.

Tom also expressed frustration during the debate about the severe funding disparities affecting rural areas like North Yorkshire. Despite its challenges, the council ranks 148^th out of 151 local authorities for high-needs funding per head of population. He argued that this inequality leaves SEND children at a significant disadvantage and called for the inclusion of rurality as a factor in funding formulas to better reflect the unique needs of areas like North Yorkshire.

Commenting, Tom said: ‘I am pleased to have been able to raise this issue today. Children with special educational needs and disabilities are being let down badly as a result of cuts to school and council budgets. ‘It is appalling to hear that children are having to travel up to 2 hours each way just to attend a suitable school. This travel time not only affects their ability to learn but also places an immense burden on their families. The government must invest in more special schools closer to home. Doing so would reduce reliance on costly transport arrangements and ensure that children receive the support they need without facing unnecessary hardships.’

Tom Gordon MP Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough – House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

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Tom Gordon MP backs successful motion calling for Proportional Representation in UK elections

Yesterday, Tom Gordon MP voted in favour of a bill brought by fellow Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, calling for the government to introduce a form of Proportional Representation to UK wide and English local elections.

The bill entered Parliament as a ‘ten minute rule bill’, that will not be debated again. However, MPs voting in favour is a very important symbolic moment, representing the massively increased support for proportional representation in the UK.

The success of this bill will pile the pressure on the Labour Government to introduce proportional representation, which is also official Labour party policy. At the General Election in July, the UK’s first past the post system handed them a massive majority in Parliament, winning 411 or 63% of seats on just 34% of the vote.

Commenting, Tom said: “This is a massive moment. We won’t yet be fighting an election under a proportional system in 2029, but this dials up the heat. Everyone knows that the majority of the country want proportional representation, to make sure every vote counts. “Labour must act. Our outdated system saw them handed a massive majority. The least they can do in thanks is introduce a proper proportional system. They owe it to the country to stop putting their and the Conservative’s interests first. “Given it’s Labour policy, it is absurd that it has taken the Liberal Democrats to get this debated in Parliament. I’m so proud to be a member of this party, and of Sarah Olney for bringing this forward. “The time has come for change. The ball is in Starmer’s court. The only question is whether he’s actually brave enough to act.”

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Tom Gordon MP joins the Joint Committee on Human Rights

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has secured a place on the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has twelve members, who are appointed from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, to examine matters relating to human rights within the United Kingdom, and scrutinise every Government Bill for its compatibility with human rights.

Tom is keen to get down to work. The Committee’s work is vital to ensuring the government is held to account and that it respects the importance of people’s freedoms and rights.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom said: “I am delighted to have a place on the Joint Committee on Human Rights. “Human rights touches all of us, and it is the freedoms on which we pride ourselves. It is so important to make sure that the laws passing through Parliament respect human rights. “Unfortunately the last government didn’t give as much respect to human rights as they should have. “I am very excited to get down to work.”

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On Sunday 1st December, Tom Gordon MP had the privilege of opening the Mental Elf fun run in Knaresborough. The event was in support of Mind in Harrogate District. Tom also took part in the event, running the 5km.

Tom is a frequent attendee of Harrogate’s parkrun, and a keen runner. He ran the Great North Run back in July, for St Michael’s Hospice, a local hospice in Harrogate.

A Mental elf fun run was first run in Lancashire over a decade ago. This was the first event in Knaresborough, and was attended by over 200 people. The event was held at Conyngham Hall, also the site of Knaresborough’s weekly park run.

Commenting, Tom said: “It was an honour to open the race this morning. I’m so glad that Mind have put on this event here. It’s so great to be able to raise money for such an important cause, whilst having fun. I really enjoy a run, and this one was made even better by being able to support this great cause.

“I hope that everyone enjoyed the event. Thank you to the team who arranged and organised this event, and who invited me to open the race – it was a real honour.

“Mental health support is so important, and something we need to see more investment in and support for.”

Local MP opens Knaresborough Mental Elf 5km fun run

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Local MP Visits Army Foundation College as Part of Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

 Thursday 28^th November, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visits the Harrogate Army Foundation College as part of his participation in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

Established in 1989 by former MP Neil Throne, the scheme was designed to address the limited military experience among MPs, which was seen as hindering the depth and quality of parliamentary debates on defence matters. It is hoped that the scheme provides MPs with a deeper understanding of military life.

By joining the scheme, Tom has committed to spending at least 15 days over the next year working alongside military personnel, gaining first hand insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and sacrifices of service life.

The programme includes visits to various military bases across the UK and overseas. So far, Tom has visited Wellington Barracks in London, and today he has visited the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, with more visits planned in the months ahead.

Tom expressed particular enthusiasm for today’s visit to the Army Foundation College, with it being in his constituency. He previously visited the College shortly after being elected and witnessed the positive impact it has on the young people training there.

The Army Foundation College is the only Junior Entry Basic Training establishment in the British Army. The College plays a vital role in providing basic military training and developing future leadership. It offers a mix of military training, personal development, and education for under 19s that provides them skills to succeed in the Armed Forces, and their lives beyond the military.

Commenting on his visit, Tom said:

‘I am very excited to be taking part in another day of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, especially here at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. I recently visited the College and saw first-hand the incredible work being done to shape the lives of young people – not just through military training but also through personal development and education. It is fantastic that MPs enrolled in this scheme have the opportunity to come here and gain a deeper understanding of the army.

‘In addition to being thrilled that one of the visits is taking place in Harrogate, I am also excited to build on what I’ve learned so far through this scheme. I’m confident that participating in this programme will enable me to better support our local military community.’

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Local MP Hosts Coffee Morning for Cross Party Adult Social Care Group

Wednesday 27th November, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Adult Social Care, hosted a coffee morning aimed at building strong relationships between MPs and carers. Those in attendance included care providers, trainers, care staff and unpaid carers.

Opening the coffee morning, Tom welcomed those in attendance and emphasised the important role the APPG for Adult Social Care can play in helping to fix the adult social care crisis. Tom discussed how on a national level, the group provides an opportunity for carers and those who rely on care and support to engage with Parliament and make their case for change to Government, while on a local level, the APPG helps MPs to build relationships with care and support providers within their local constituencies.

The purpose of the coffee morning was to start the process of building towards both of these ambitions under this new Parliament. Tom expressed how the new co-chairs of the adult social care APPG want to move beyond one-off meetings between MPs and local carers, and towards long term relationships where everyone can work together to improve care in local constituencies. By engaging directly with those on the frontlines of care, MPs can better understand the realities of the adult social care system and identify the areas most in need of improvement.

Commenting, Tom said: ‘It was a pleasure to host the coffee morning for the APPG on adult social care today. Bringing together care providers, trainers, care staff, unpaid carers and MPs is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by the sector and advocating for meaningful change in Parliament.

‘My colleagues and I are determined that this new cross-party group moves beyond one-off meetings between MPs and local carers, towards long-term relationships where we can work together to transform the provision of care in our country.’

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Tom Gordon.Harrogate MP

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP calls for overhaul of water industry after Knaresborough Lido ranked as poor 

Shocking new figures from the government have revealed that Knaresborough Lido has once again been rated as poor, meaning bathing is not advised. Local Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has slammed the news, urging the government to carry out a complete overhaul of the water industry.

Knaresborough Lido is one of 37 bathing waters that has been deemed unsafe to swim in. In total, the number of poor bathing waters has risen to the highest level since the new classification system was introduced in 2015.

The Liberal Democrats have long spearheaded the campaign to clean up British seas and rivers. The Party is urging for a complete overhaul of the water industry, by scrapping Ofwat and replacing it with a new regulator who has the power to clamp down on polluting water companies, including Yorkshire Water.

Since his election, Tom has met with the Nidd Action Group, who have been campaigning to get the Nidd cleaned up. He will soon be meeting with Yorkshire Water to raise these issues.

Commenting, Tom said: 

“I’m sure this news will come as no surprise to my constituents in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Once again, our swimming spot is too polluted to swim in. That Yorkshire Water still hasn’t cleaned up its act is a disgrace.

“It is completely inexcusable that local residents aren’t able to enjoy Knaresborough Lido, and all whilst Yorkshire Water hammers us with sky high water bills.

“Enough is enough. For far too long Yorkshire Water has been pumping gallons of disgusting sewage in our rivers and beaches, and all whilst paying vast bonuses to their executives.”

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Tom Gordon calls for outright ban on water boss bonuses after Ofwat announcement

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough is calling on the Government to urgently enshrine an outright ban on bonuses for water company bosses in law. It comes as Ofwat announced bans on three water companies using customer money to fund bonuses – a move that the Liberal Democrats do not believe goes far enough. The regulator’s Chief Executive has also admitted that water bills are likely to go up more than expected next month.

Shockingly, Yorkshire Water’s chief executive received an eyewatering £371,000 in bonuses back in July. This came amidst continued sewage outflows and an announcement about increases in customer bills.

Ofwat admitted that water firms paid a total of £9.3 million in bonuses over the last financial year. The Liberal Democrats are pushing for changes to the Government’s Water (Special Measures) Bill, which would ban water company bonuses until sewage spills end and leaks are fixed.

On the 20th of November, Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords secured assurances from the government that Ofwat will ban bonuses when water companies have committed pollution incidents, including sewage spills.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said: 

“The Nidd and other rivers in Yorkshire have been pumped full of raw sewage by Yorkshire Water, who have been putting profit before people for far too long.

“The previous Conservative Government gave water companies a free pass to dump filth into our precious waterways while taking home eyewatering bonuses on top of inflated salaries.

“The Labour Government must to listen to the Liberal Democrats and finally put a stop to sewage dumping, by prioritising the Water Bill in parliament and enshrining a ban on bonuses as quickly as possible.

“Those who actively wreck local environments in Yorkshire and across the country should not be rewarded for doing so. Enough is enough.”

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Tom Gordon calls for reform of dental contracts to get people’s teeth fixed

Today, Tom Gordon called for action from the Government to reform dental care to fix the dental crisis. He asked a question to the Minister in Parliament about orthodontics.

Tom highlighted the current crisis with dental and orthodontic contracts that means many children who need care are unable to get it. Now, when children get an appointment with an orthodontist, they are often referred back to a dentist as their teeth are in such poor health, but are often unable to get an appointment with a dentist, meaning they cannot get the orthodontic care they need.

Having talked to dentistry providers in Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom has called for reform of orthodontic contracts so that they can carry out routine dental work too, rather than having to pass children back to dentists, where getting an appointment is often near impossible.

The Minister answering the question responded to say that the Government would review orthodontic contracts.

Commenting, Tom said:

“I’m pleased to have asked this vital question today. Our children deserve the best care, but without reform and investment in the dentistry sector they won’t get it.

“I and the Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign on this. Healthcare is more than just hospitals and GPs – it includes dentistry and so many other areas. All of them are essential.

“Some fairly basic changes to contracts will go some way to starting to solve this crisis, relieving some pressure on dentists whilst increasing the number of children getting vital care. I will continue to hold the Government to account on this issue, to make sure that we see the essential reforms we need.”

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Tom Gordon Reaches Major Milestone with 2,500 Cases Opened

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has reached another major milestone by opening his 2,500th piece of casework since taking office on July 5th this year.   Since his election, Tom and his team have worked tirelessly to address a wide range of community concerns, including housing, education, healthcare, social services and environmental issues. No matter how challenging the case, Tom and his team have been dedicated to supporting every constituent who reaches out for help.

This rapid accumulation of casework reflects Tom’s commitment to ensuring all voices in the constituency are heard. By listening to his constituents, Tom ensures their concerns can be raised and addressed in Parliament. Recently, after hearing from numerous constituents facing unexpected financial burdens due to having to remove spray-foam insulation funded by the government-backed Green Home Grant Scheme, Tom brought this issue to government ministers, urging them to take action and provide support.

Speaking on this achievement of opening 2,500 cases, Tom said:

‘‘I am very proud to have opened over 2,500 cases since being elected in July and to have already reached so many members of our community. Casework has been a top priority for me because I believe it is crucial for the voices of Harrogate and Knaresborough to be heard. I want constituents to feel they can turn to me for help with any issue they are facing.

‘It is also important that I hear directly from constituents about what’s affecting our community so I can act on these concerns in Parliament, as I did recently regarding the Green Homes Grant Scheme.

‘My team and I remain committed to handling cases promptly and ensuring every concern raised receives the attention it deserves.’

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Tom Gordon Calls for Government Support for those Affected by Green Homes Grant Scheme

Tuesday 12^th November, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough took the opportunity to call on the government to support homeowners who have faced unexpected and costly consequences as a result of the Green Homes Grant Scheme implemented by previous governments.

The scheme, launched in July 2020, offered homeowners vouchers covering two-thirds of the cost of eligible energy efficiency upgrades. This included open-cell spray foam insulation. Many homeowners, including several from Harrogate and Knaresborough, trusted this government-backed programme and installed spray foam insulation with the expectation of improved energy efficiency.

However, this trust backfired. It has since been discovered that open-cell spray foam can cause roof timbers to decay, leading to significant structural damage within a few years. This has led mortgage lenders to refuse loans on homes with spray insulation, leaving homeowners who wish to sell no choice but to pay thousands of pounds to remove it. Additionally, many face further costs for necessary roof repairs.

Determined to support his constituents, Tom not only raised the matter with the minister but also wrote to Ed Miliband and Jonathon Reynolds, urging financial support for those affected by the scheme.

Commenting, Tom said:

‘Since my election, I have heard from numerous constituents who have been hit hard financially after installing open-cell spray foam insulation under the Green Homes Grant Scheme. It is unacceptable that homeowners, who relied on government recommendations, are now forced to pay thousands of pounds to correct a problem caused by a lack of government oversight.

‘These homeowners trusted the government’s advice, only to have it backfire, with many now unable to claim compensation as many installers have since gone into insolvency. This government must step up and take action to support those facing these financial burdens – not just leave them stranded, as the previous government clearly chose to.’

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Tom Gordon MP Visits Artizan Café

Last week, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough visited Artizan Café and creative space in Harrogate, where he met with some of the wonderful team including the UK Director of Artizan, Liz Cluderay.

The charity does amazing work enabling, empowering and supporting people with disabilities to meet their full potential both in the UK and abroad.  In Harrogate, Artizan Café and creative spaces provide hands-on hospitality training, work experience, and creative craft workshops for those with disabilities. Internationally, Artizan’s Craft Centres and Cafes in Ecuador and Peru offer training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities who would otherwise be living in extreme poverty. These centres and cafes play a transformative role, not only in the lives of the disabled people involved, but also in fostering positive community attitudes towards disability.

During his visit, Tom and Liz discussed key issues, including ways Artizan can be further supported in the community, potential funding opportunities, and how Tom could work alongside the charity to ensure greater visibility and inclusion of young disabled adults within the local economy and society. The latter is especially important to the charity as they aim to empower people with disabilities to showcase their talents to their communities and thereby be recognised for their abilities, rather than their perceived disabilities.

Commenting on his visit, Tom said:

‘I had a wonderful time at Artizan Café in Harrogate. The café has such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and it is clear that Liz and her team are doing incredible work in supporting people with disabilities to reach their full potential. It was truly inspiring to see this impact firsthand.

‘I was also grateful for the opportunity to learn more about how the charity supports disabled people in Ecuador and Peru. People with disabilities in developing countries are often marginalised, excluded from employment, and forced to live a life in poverty. Without fantastic organisations like Artizan, this cycle of poverty and exclusion would be extremely tough to break.

‘I look forward to working with Liz and her team to support their mission and help create even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive within our community.’

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MP calls for more support for Knaresborough flood victims

On Thursday 7th November, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, met with residents affected by the severe flash floods that hit Knaresborough in May 2024. The flooding, among the worst seen in the area in recent years, impacted over 50 homes and businesses, forcing many residents to evacuate, with some still unable to return to their properties now six months later.

The meeting took place at the Chain Lane Community Centre, which has been a vital resource for the community, providing support and services to those affected by the flooding. Tom is committed to doing all he can to support this remarkable organisation as it continues its essential work moving forward.

During the meeting last week, Tom spoke with a number of flooded residents who shared their experiences of how it has affected their lives, with many highlighting the toll it has taken on their mental and physical health as well as the financial strain they have endured.

A number of flooded residents have been charged double council tax, facing payments on their temporary accommodation and on their uninhabitable properties. Tom has written to North Yorkshire Council urging them to show greater compassion and not inflict further financial burden and hardship on flood victims.

Tom is also bringing together key agencies to address residents’ concerns and to help mitigate the potential threat of future heavy downpours.

Speaking after the meeting, Tom said:

‘The flooding that hit Knaresborough in May was devastating, and it is clear the effects are still deeply felt across the community. People have lost so much, and in many cases have not had all the support they need and deserve. The disruption is unimaginable, and I am committed to supporting all those impacted through this challenging time.

‘I also want to play tribute to the incredibly hardworking team at Chain Lane Community Hub. What has been abundantly clear from past conversations with them, and from all the residents at the meeting last night, is that they have worked their socks off to help as many people as they can. They are an extraordinary team, and I cannot thank them enough for their continuing hard work.

‘Looking ahead, it’s crucial that North Yorkshire Council, Yorkshire Water and other bodies work together to put plans in place to prevent flooding in the future.’

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201,070 GP appointments at risk in Yorkshire due to national insurance hike

The rise in employers’ national insurance announced at the Budget could put 201,070 GP appointments at risk in Yorkshire due to increased costs to practices, Liberal Democrat analysis has revealed. It comes as Tom Gordon, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, has called on the government to “act immediately” and scrap the hike.

Tom Gordon and the Liberal Democrats have called on the government to exempt GPs and other health and care providers from the rise, but so far ministers have refused to do so. The Liberal Democrats are seeking to use amendments to upcoming legislation on the Budget to exempt GPs from the National Insurance tax rise.

The Institute of General Practice Management has estimated that the rise will mean the average GP surgery’s tax bill will go up by around £20,000 a year. This could end up costing GPs in Yorkshire £11,260,000 over all 563 practices in the region.

This is the equivalent cost of providing 201,070 GP appointments, at £56 per appointment. It means it could cost the average GP surgery the equivalent of 357 appointments a year.

Commenting, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:

“GPs across Yorkshire are set to be hammered by higher taxes at a time when they have already been run into the ground by the previous Conservative government.

“I have heard from hardworking GPs in my constituency who have said that this will make it harder for people in to get an appointment when thousands are already struggling to do so, and worsen the standard of care.

“The Chancellor must act immediately, scrap these proposals and exempt GPs from this tax hike. Our local health services desperately need help, and we cannot rescue them whilst burdening them with even more costs.”

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Harrogate MP – Tom Gordon

Tom Gordon serves as the Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, bringing a wealth of experience from his work in various policy roles within the charitable sector. As a former young adult carer, Tom understands the unique challenges faced by carers and is deeply committed to advocating for increased support, resources, and recognition for the essential work they provide. His work with the Carers Trust and other charitable organizations has cemented his dedication to social issues, particularly in supporting vulnerable communities.

Tom’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond politics. A dedicated runner and badminton enthusiast, he has participated in over a dozen long-distance charity runs, including the Paris and Berlin marathons. Through these efforts, Tom has raised funds for charities such as Cancer Research and Alzheimer’s Society, supporting causes close to his heart.

Contact Information

• Email: office@tomgordon.org.uk
• Address: 13 Westmoreland Street, Harrogate, HG1 5AY

Tom Gordon MP plants a stake in Speakers Garden of Remembrance The Speaker has installed a ‘Constituency Garden of Remembrance’ at the Houses of Parliament every November since 2021, in partnership with the Royal British Legion. The Garden provides an opportunity for MPs to participate in an act of remembrance at Parliament that represents the entire United Kingdom, to honour the sacrifices made by so many in defending our democratic freedoms and way of life.

Tom also attended the Industry and Parliament Trust’s annual Poppy Ride today. The Poppy Ride encourages MPs and Peers to cycle as far as they can in 5 minutes to help raise money to raise funds and awareness for the Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion was first founded after the First World War. The RBL’s yearly Poppy Appeal campaign pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.This coming Sunday (10^th of November) is Remembrance Sunday, and Tom will be attending a number of Remembrance events around Harrogate and Knaresborough to mark the occasion. Commenting, Tom said:“It was humbling to plant my stake at the Garden of Remembrance today. In an age when our democratic freedoms seem to be under attack, it is so important to make sure that we keep honouring those who gave their lives to defend those freedoms. Their sacrifice is inspiring.“I was also pleased today to take part in the Poppy Ride in support of the Poppy Appeal. It is a great cause and I would encourage all who are able to give to it.“I look forward to seeing many residents of Harrogate and Knaresborough at this Sunday’s Remembrance events. These are really important events, as we can’t forget the sacrifices that previous generations of people from Harrogate and Knaresborough made.”

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Tom Gordon MP Advocates for Investment in Harrogate Convention Centre

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, recently visited the Harrogate Convention Centre during the Local Government Association Conference. Recognizing the Centre’s significant impact on the local economy through tourism and events, he discussed with director Paula Lorimer the benefits of further investment.

Gordon has urged North Yorkshire Council leaders to increase funding and plans to collaborate with local partners to support the Centre’s future. He also inquired about progress toward transitioning the Centre to an arm’s length model. Committed to ensuring the venue’s continued success, Gordon praised its role as a valuable asset to the town.

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Harrogate MP Tom Gordon

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