Political opinion: Reporting Back with Julian Smith MP

At the end of September, I visited Grantley Hall and met General Manager Nuno César de Sá and his team. Their transformation of this historic estate into a five-star retreat is impressive, and I was pleased to see their work recognised when Grantley Hall was named Independent Hotel of the Year 2025 at the Independent Hotel Show London Awards.

A highlight was visiting Ripon YMCA, where I learned more about the vital support they offer young people from housing to personal development. I am grateful to the team for their dedication and for sharing residents’ success stories.

I also joined a lively discussion with sixth-form politics students at Ripon Grammar School. Their thoughtful questions reminded me that Ripon Grammar School is doing an outstanding job in preparing young people for the future.

In Parliament, I pushed for fairer funding for North Yorkshire Council, calling on the Government to address rural disparities in education, transport, and healthcare. At PMQs, I urged the Prime Minister and Chancellor to back a compromise on inheritance tax to protect family farms and rural businesses which are essential to our heritage and economy.

I welcomed news that the claimant rate for unemployment-related benefits in Skipton and Ripon remains low, reflecting the resilience of our local workforce. But I remain focused on ensuring everyone has access to opportunity and support, especially ahead of the November Budget.

I am encouraging local organisations to apply for the Movement, Activity and Sport Investment Programme from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This fund aims to improve access to exercise and wellbeing initiatives in rural areas, and I hope many Ripon groups will benefit.

As always, I am here to listen and help. I will be holding winter constituency surgeries in Ripon and across the constituency and if you have concerns, please contact me via email: [email protected].