Zoom talk by local MP

Rotary is a Secular and non political organisation and Robbies presentation was not party political

Robbie’s background includes 12 years as a rural Chartered Surveyor dealing with agricultural clients and agricultural and rural assets. His family are farmers and run a recycling business. He started his political career at a local level, with interests in health, well being and education. 

In national politics he wants to deliver on issues for which people voted for him but this has become more complex due to the global pandemic. During lockdown he has given support to businesses and individuals. He is conscious of the challenge of imposing restrictions especially on the lonely during the period of isolation. He is annoyed that Ilkley, Addingham and parts of Craven have been included in the latest Bradford lockdown. 

A good local economy needs footfall and consumer confidence and there has to be fairness in the imposition of business rates to combat the huge multinational companies. Local complications have occurred with parking regulations and residents annoyed with the allocation of parking places. 

The MP answered many questions put by members of both Ilkley Rotary Clubs on topics such as government incompetence, gypsies and traveller camping, a greater police presence, combatting noisy parties, qualifications to become an MP, the future of the furlough scheme and reform of the House of Lords