Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Like the rest of the nation, I have been concerned by the global spread of coronavirus in the last couple of months. However, the Government have taken unprecedented action to support our NHS workers and help the economy as we tackle this pandemic. 

Coronavirus - which causes COVID-19 - appeared late-2019 and has rapidly spread to most countries. Common signs of infection include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome. Those who are over 70, pregnant, or have underlying health issues are more at risk.

Our Prime Minister's admittance to hospital in the last week shows that this virus can strike anybody. My thoughts and prayers are with Boris and his family at this really difficult time. Whilst he recovers, we have a strong team in charge in the Cabinet.  

The strategy currently focuses on 'flattening the curve' - delaying the peak of the pandemic to assist our NHS.  Right now, we must continue to shield the most vulnerable in the community. So please: Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

Coronavirus - Last Week, This Week and Next...

I look forward to once again working with the Communities Select Committee onto which I was reelected and the All-Party Groups which I am a member of, once this crisis is over. I was pleased to have been made chair of the All-Party Group for Whistleblowing when the group was reconstituted, which will be doing some really important work over the next year.   

Much has happened since the December election where I was reelected to represent you in Cheadle, it feels almost a  lifetime ago as we focus on getting the country through this pandemic.

I was sure that the major story would be Brexit this Spring but coronavirus has overshadowed all other news. However, I am pleased to see how quickly the Government has responded to this crisis, with unprecedented economic packages put in place by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, guaranteeing 80% of wages paid to those furloughed from employment and those who are self employed. By the 8th of April, the UK Government have already supported nearly 2,000 businesses with £23.5 million of grants in our area and continue to support businesses to get the financial support they need. We have also brought in strong protections for mortgage owners and renters and much, much more.  


Recognising the wonderful work of hospices

Additionally, I was very happy to see the Government commit £200 million in grants for the support of hospices. Wonderful hospices like our own St Ann's Hospice in Heald Green, do fantastic work in supporting and caring for families when their loved ones are terminally ill. The Hospice relies heavily on donations and many fundraising events will unfortunately have to be postponed such as their annual flagship fundraising event, the Manchester Midnight Walk. This is always well attended and 2020 would have marked its fourteenth year. We look forward to being able to support them again in their future fundraising efforts. 

My team and I have been very busy working and supporting local businesses, vulnerable constituents and answering hundreds of queries that have arisen. I have been coordinating with Greater Manchester MPs and the Local Resilience Forum on issues including hospital capacity and PPE getting to the front line and making urgent representations to the Government when needed. 

My office remains open (but with staff working from home) and we are ready to assist with any problems and queries in these unprecedented times. I am regularly updating on the fast moving events on social media, as well as providing guidance on my website. 
 

My Views

In addition to regular casework correspondence, I receive a number of campaign emails and postcards each month regarding various topics. While I always prefer to get back to people directly in the first instance, each month I publish these views on my website. You can read these here.

I hold regular surgeries both at my office in Cheadle Hulme and around the constituency. These are currently suspended in the light of the stay at home advice. However, my team and I will be assisting on all enquiries so pleased do continue to get in touch with us.