Lockdown survey results, reopening schools & calls for global ceasefire

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My weekly update

We are all willing the government to succeed in getting the UK's response to Covid-19 right - after all, the stakes have never been higher. Although, Labour supports a gradual easing of restrictions, this needs to be done as safely as possible, following the science and done at the right time.

Any decisions to ease restrictions must respond the facts on the ground, and we need a national consensus to build public confidence in this plan. People are rightly still anxious about the future. Publishing a clear, detailed strategy then is vital in restoring public confidence and keeping people safe.

A couple of weeks ago I launched my lockdown survey asking for your thoughts on the lockdown measures and how they have impacted you. Over 500 people from across Birmingham took part in the survey, and the main results of the survey can be summarised as follows:

- 68% don't support lockdown easing

- 63% aren't confident on workplace safety

- 28% travel to work on public transport

- 73% expect personal finances to worsen

- 52% would use a contact tracing app

- physical and mental health the biggest concern

Thank you to everyone who took part. You can read more about the survey's results by clicking below.

Lockdown survey results

Letters

Reopening schools

Schools should reopen for the sake of pupils’ education and wellbeing when it is safe to do so, but there are serious problems with the proposed plan to reopen schools on 1 June.

My letter to Birmingham National Education Union reps on the issue.

Schools letter

Calls for global ceasefire

I have written to Anne-Marie Trevelyan to urge the UK to help secure a global ceasefire as a matter of urgency so that efforts can be focused on delivering an effective, global Covid-19 response.

Failure to take steps to support people across the world in tackling the coronavirus will put everyone at risk of further waves from those fragile and conflict affected countries.

Global ceasefire letter

Dangerous cladding

Almost three years on from Grenfell, and it is deeply concerning that tower blocks across the country still have dangerous cladding.

I am urging the government to provide funding to make a development in my constituency safe through the Building Safety Fund.

Letter to Robert Jenrick

Mental health awareness week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is 'Kindness Matters' - something that matters now more than ever.

There are many great resources and services you can access locally if you are struggling with your mental health, a handful of which I have listed below.

Birmingham Mind and Living Well Consortium

Keyworkers: 0121 663 1217

General public: 0121 262 3555

Open Door Counselling

Keyworkers: 0121 454 1116

Shout Crisis Text Line

Text CAM to 85258 for confidential, free crisis support any time of day or night.

Action for Children

Parents can find tips on where to go for help and advice during this pandemic, as well as specific resources to aid mental and emotional wellbeing here. There is also the option to talk to parenting coaches online.

Nightline

Nightline is a confidential listening service, run by students, for students. Click here to talk to someone.

Papyrus

Papyrus' suicide prevention helpline advisors are here to support young people, aged 35 and under, who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide; concerned others; and professionals who may need to debrief after an experience of suicide. Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039 967.

Help shape Labour Party policy

Through Labour’s National Policy Forum, you can have your say on the values that should underpin Labour’s policy platform as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis and work together towards a fairer Britain for all. This year your views are more important than ever, so get involved by clicking the button below. The consultation runs from now until 30th June.

NPF consultation