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Dear Friend,
I hope you and your families are safe and well amidst this pandemic. The last three weeks have been very difficult, with many people having to make significant sacrifices for the health of our nation and in such challenging circumstances.
I want to thank you for the part you've played in this.
This week we've seen the lockdown extended by a further three weeks to further protect the NHS and save lives. There are some positive signs in the scientific analysis but not enough to warrant a change of course in our response to the virus.
A national five-point plan has been introduced as criteria which would need to be satisfied for the government to lift the lockdown. These are: the ability of the NHS to cope, a sustained and consistent fall in the death toll, reliable data showing decrease in virus spread, confidence in testing and PPE and that there was no risk of a second peak.
While we may still be on lockdown, there are plenty of positives to focus on. This week marked our fourth week of clapping for our NHS heroes and key workers in gratitude for their outstanding work. Our weekly ritual, every Thursday at 8pm becomes a moment of national unity and it definitely feels like the pots and pans are getting louder!
Captain Tom Moore also had the nation walking alongside him as he continues to raise millions for the NHS by walking 100 lengths for his 100th birthday. The most recent total exceeding £18 million!
It has been fantastic to see how well Cardiff North is also dealing with these challenging circumstances and to see the community coming together at this difficult time. We couldn't do this without the fantastic support of our volunteers - so thank you so much for your help!
As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected].
With very best wishes,
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We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but for now, we must ensure we continue staying at home to stay safe and protect our NHS.
In this video, my fantastic constituents Aaryan and Dev Pandit, aged 9 and 4 show their gratitude for our key workers and urge the community to stay home and stay safe during this time of national crisis.
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Historic Step Towards Virtual Parliament
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The Speaker of the House of Commons has announced that for the first time in the House of Commons 700-year history, MPs will be able to hold ministers to account via Zoom video conferencing.
Approval has been given to allow up to 120 MPs at any one time to take part in proceedings virtually, while around 50 could remain in the chamber under strict social distancing rules. The unprecedented step towards a 'hybrid House' is vital given we're experiencing the worst health crisis in over 100 years and we must be able to hold ministers to account on their response to the virus.
MPs are set to return from recess on the 21st April. It is expected that there will be a limited physical presence in the Commons next week, but the measures will still need the approval of MPs when we return.
Whilst it remains a hybrid solution currently, steps are being taken to work towards and entirely virtual Parliament to enable us to stay close to our communities, but continue our important work of scrutinising the Government.
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Shadow Minister for International Development
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I am delighted to have been appointed Shadow Minister for International Development on Keir Starmer's frontbench.
Whilst the immediate threat is tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and mitigating the impact on vulnerable countries across the globe, I will be leading on Climate Justice and the Environment as well as issues concerning the Middle East and North Africa.
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It's already been a busy week on the Shadow International Development Team. We've been calling on the UK Government to cancel 2020's debt repayments for the poorest countries so they can focus on the health of their citizens and battling the virus. I've been urging the UK Government to no longer turn a blind eye to the impeding humanitarian crisis off the coast of Europe, as refugees have very little access to healthcare.
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We also met (virtually) with leaders in the International NGO sector to hear first hand the huge challenges the sector is facing. It's vital the UK Government draw on their experience and expertise throughout this COVID-19 crisis.
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Supporting our Care Homes
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Care homes have been hit hard by the virus we must ensure that they all have access to adequate PPE so staff can safely provide essential care. The Welsh Government recently announced additional expenditure to help with this, but we simply cannot afford further missed opportunities at UK Government level to bulk-buy PPE for Britain.
I'm in touch with all the care homes in Cardiff North to offer my support at this difficult time and I'll continue to push for appropriate PPE. I will also be making the case for what must come after the crisis - we can no longer live in a society where care workers are underpaid and undervalued and our NHS starved of funding. The UK Government must ensure fair funding to Wales for our NHS - we can't go back to business as usual.
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Tuesday marked 75 years since the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp. We paid tribute to Bergen-Belsen survivors, the heroism of liberators and remember the unimaginable suffering.
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#FeedTheHeath & Patient Donations
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I recently joined our fantastic volunteers at the Heath hospital who have partnered up with Waterloo Tea to provide NHS Staff with free food and drink as they continue to work hard throughout this crisis. This is a vital service and it was a pleasure to be involved.
I recently put a call out for patient donations at the Heath. With the majority of family members restricted from visiting hospitals, patients were running low on essential toiletries. I've received a fantastic response, with organisations responding to calls and donating.
Thank you!
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Office Update
How my office continues to operate during virus outbreak
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Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve had to significantly change how we operate as an office. Both of my offices are closed and my team and I are remote working for the foreseeable future.
We have seen an immediate and rapid increase in the amount of people and businesses needing support and my team are working around the clock to assist. We have also set up a Facebook Coronavirus Emergency response page for Cardiff North to help coordinate our response.
The media headlines stating that MPs are receiving a £10,000 bonus for working from home is factually incorrect and misleading. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) – the regulatory body independent of both Parliament and Government made a unilateral decision to authorise additional expenditure to enable staff to set up home working so they can continue to work effectively and support distressed constituents at a time of crisis. We had no say in this decision.
At a time of such uncertainty for families and businesses and with casework soaring as a direct result enabling my staff to work remotely is the best and safest way for us – and the many constituents we are in contact with – to communicate and work together during these difficult times. The pandemic is causing such devastation to businesses and livelihoods – it has therefore never been more crucial that my team are equipped to continue to be as helpful as possible, answering the many emails, Facebook messages, taking distressing phone calls and coordinating volunteers to assist the vulnerable.
The additional budget is there to draw down on only if it is needed – and it will be accounted for in the usual, transparent way.
I support calls to IPSA for MPs to use this additional expenditure for our communities, charities and local organisations in the fight against Coronavirus. Although this is ultimately a decision for IPSA, we eagerly await the response. It would be a shame to return this to IPSA’s coffers when the money would be better spent protecting our communities.
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Children's Mental Health Support
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The Welsh Labour Government is releasing an extra £1.25million funding for school counselling services to deal with an anticipated increase in demand due to COVID-19. Read more here.
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Domestic Abuse Services Ready to Help
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During times of crisis, incidents of domestic abuse increase. This has been made worse by social distancing, self-isolation and heightened tensions. Updates to me from South Wales Police indicate that they're experiencing less calls relating to domestic abuse, which may mean victims are suffering in silence.
The COVID-19 crisis is an anxious time for all of us, but doubly so for those who are trapped in their homes with an abuser. For these people, home is not a place of safety, but a place of fear, abuse and violence.
The Live Fear Free helpline has a 'silent' method of seeking help - text, web-chat and email are available if victims aren't able to speak freely. In addition, the police will also respond urgently to ‘silent’ 999 calls – simply press 55 when the operator answers.
You can find more info here:
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Remembering our NHS Heroes
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A project to remember those who have lost their lives in hospitals, surgeries and care homes during the Coronavirus outbreak has launched. We must never forget those who have died in the process of protecting us from the virus. You can read more here:
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Cardiff North Coronavirus Response
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I've set up a Facebook group - Cardiff North Coronavirus Response to help co-ordinate volunteers, assist those who are self-isolating and act as a hub of up to date information and announcements. We have over 500 members and we are linked to the local mutual aid groups in your area.
If you're active on Facebook you can join the group by clicking the button below.
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Cardiff Council has recently launched their volunteering scheme "Together For Cardiff" which aims to match up people's needs to volunteers.
If you think you can spare some time to volunteer and you're not in the at risk category, then please email me on [email protected].
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd
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