Tom Gordon, the new Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, made his first intervention in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
It was on the same day that the Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council voted to restrict home-to-school transport in the council area.
Liberal Democrat councillors voted against this measure.
The intervention came in a debate on education and opportunity and sought to highlight the additional educational challenges faced by rural communities.
He said in Parliament:
“Today, North Yorkshire council has moved to restrict the services that it offers for home-to-school transport, which will have a disproportionate impact on rural schools and families.
“The Conservatives have been swept from power in Parliament, but they are still having a damaging impact on local government in areas such as mine in North Yorkshire.
“Does my hon. Friend agree that we should provide rural families and schools with more support, not less, to tackle the challenges that they face?”
Today I intervened in the general debate on education to raise the issue that North Yorkshire Council have restricted home to school transport.
— Tom Gordon MP (@tomgordonLD) July 24, 2024
This will have a disproportionate impact on rural school and families, who we should be doing more to help, not less.
Watch more 📺👇 pic.twitter.com/5bN6WGDuMe
Commenting after the intervention, he said:
“I’m delighted to have spoken in Parliament for the first time.
“I’m even more delighted that I was able to raise such an important issue for so many families here in Harrogate and Knaresborough, but particularly those in rural communities.”
Cllr. Monika Slater said:
“I’m really disappointed that the Conservative-run North Yorkshire council have taken the decision to restrict home-to-school transport, it’s a huge blow to so many across Harrogate, Knaresborough and beyond.
“I’m proud that the Lib Dems on North Yorkshire Council were able to stand up to the Conservatives on such an important issue.
“We’re grateful as a council group that Tom was able to raise the matter so urgently in Parliament.”
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