As Chairman of the Transport Select Committee, I am also a member of the Liaison Committee, which, by convention, requests that the Prime Minister attends. I asked Boris Johnson a number of questions including what the whether the Government will ease its quarantine measures.
During the Urgent Question on Coronavirus and Care Homes, I asked Matt Hancock to intervene and help get more key workers through the Bexhill Coronavirus Testing Centre.
This has not been an easy process but thanks to our fantastic local NHS team for getting the Testing Centre open to all who are eligible. They know, to defeat the virus and keep their staff safe, that more people need to be tested to stem the infection. Thanks also to Matt Hancock and his team for taking the time to ensure this has happened.
Huw Calls for Reform of CJRS
I asked the Treasury Minister whether changes would be made to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CRJS) to prevent companies making employees redundant while on furlough.
It was great to visit Rosewood Park and to find out how the new health and safety measures are being implemented to protect both workers and customers. David Wilson Homes have been able to safely re-start construction in Bexhill by following government and industry guidance.
Urgent Question on Abortion Reform in Northern Ireland
An Urgent Question was asked in Parliament and I made the case for women in Northern Ireland to be given the abortion rights required by law. This legislation has now been passed.
Although I've had first hand experience with the good work that DFID have done around the world, I trust that the Foreign Secretary will ensure that the best value for money will be delivered with our aid budget.
I was granted an Urgent Question to the Transport Minister to ask her to make a statement on Covid-19 and the economic impact on Aviation. Thousands of BA employees threatened with redundancy have contacted me and I was encouraged that the Minister signalled her support to the aviation sector and workforce.
Read my take on the Bexhill Testing Centre, air bridges instead of quarantine, the importance of not missing out on life-saving diagnosis during this crisis, and hope that we will come out of this with the same determination that we started lockdown with.
Parliament Returns
i have been asked why Parliament has returned rather that operating virtually. I believe we are right to return and I explain more here.
Transport Select Committee's Report on Aviation
We've published our report, The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation sector, whichfocuses on quarantine policy, governement support, redundancies and passenger refunds.
I took part in a short Skype interview for The Graduate Guidebook; an up and coming site profiling new graduates and professionals, in order to share their views and experiences at university. A great tool for those considering a degree or wondering what to do next.
During Transport Questions I focused on the aviation sector and made the first call for air bridges between counties where the coronavirus infection rate was below 1 to be considered.
It was good to meet members from Ticehurst Parish Council and the Highways Authority. I want to support local initiatives which will improve our local public spaces. The team at Ticehurst have the vision and I hope our County Council can accommodate.
Local Fire Services
Read my thoughts on changes to the local fire and rescue services and how you can add your voice here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment to speak to me at an advice surgery, please email: [email protected] or call 01424 736861
