Beyond the Covid-19 headlines, a lot of other things have been happening this month. We marked Loneliness Week - the last few months have been incredibly challenging for those who are socially isolated or separated from loved ones. It is really important to remember that you are not alone and support is available. From local help through Gosport Voluntary Action Group, to chats with NHS Volunteers and national support through the Every Mind Matters and Let's Talk About Loneliness campaign.
Many of those who have been the backbone of our local community, especially in recent months, are the wonderful volunteers who we celebrated this month during Volunteers Week! I have had the privilege to catch up with many of our local heroes - from the seamstresses at Team Scrubbers making garments for local healthcare professionals, to those volunteering to support foodbanks, the befriending services and prescription collections with Acts Of Kindness and the Gosport Voluntary Action Group - al selflessly giving up their time for our communities.
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We paid tribute to our other unsung heroes - unpaid carers - who all too often do not get the recognition or support that they deserve as they look after their loved ones. I added my name and pledged support to the Carers UK #MakeCaringVisible campaign this year.
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I joined our fabulous regional services Naomi House and Jacksplace as well as national charity Together For Short Lives, in a social media campaign to raise awareness about Children's Hospice Week and the invaluable work that hospices and outreach care services provide for very poorly children and their families. My mum was on the original committee that helped raise the money to build Naomi House in the 1990's and roped our whole family into her fundraising activities, so it has a very special place in my heart. It was a great honour to go back and visit again in 2018 (pictured).
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We celebrated Armed Forces Week, where I joined others to #SaluteOurForces and pay tribute to our incredible service men and women - from cadets to reservists and veterans - for their dedication and service to our country.
We also helped celebrate a very special local veteran's 100th birthday! Ron Cross, WWII decorated hero and Gosport Cricket Club's longest serving fan, reached this impressive milestone this month. His family contacted my office worried that lockdown might dampen the celebrations, so we helped them put out a plea on social media. We were overwhelmed with the response - dozens of cards from local residents were sent to my office, it was a pleasure to help pass on well-wishers messages to Ron for his special day. A big thank you to everyone who got involved!
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On a more sombre note, I expressed my serious concerns and opposition to Fareham Land LP's plans for up to 75 houses and Bargate Homes' plans for up to 115 houses to be developed on the green fields beside Newgate Lane. I have written to the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, to request the appeals be recovered and that he make the decision on this himself, given the devastating impact that more development could have on our local area.
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I know like me, many of you will have been incredibly distressed having seen footage of the tragic death of George Floyd in the US. His death has raised awareness and highlighted the inequality that the BAME community face across the globe.
There is much more to do to eradicate prejudice and to create more equal opportunities. It is important that we use this moment to look with renewed vigour at how people from BAME backgrounds are treated here in the UK. I welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that he is setting up a cross-government commission on racial inequality which will examine all aspects of inequality for people from BAME backgrounds, including health, employment, and education. There is also urgent work underway across Government in response to Public Health England’s review into disparities among those worse affected by Covid-19.
You can read my full statement below.
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In other news, Parliament continues to work not only to tackle the pandemic, but other key issues that we face.
The Prime Minister has announced his plan to 'build, build, build' with his New Deal, investing £5 billion to support jobs and our economy. This includes £1.5 billion to healthcare, over £1 billion for school repairs, £900 million for local growth projects and high streets and £40 million for local conservation projects. It is a great start to kick-starting a green economy to help Britain bounce back.
Outside of the New Deal, a billion pound Covid catch-up plan has been announced for schools to make up for lost teaching time, as well as over a billion pounds allocated to rebuild schools to raise standards. The right decision was made as thousands of children will continue to benefit from free meals and activities over the summer, with the Covid Summer Food Fund and Holiday Activities and Food programme.
After seeing 90% of known rough sleepers housed by Councils across the country over the past couple of months, £105 million has been ring-fenced to keep rough sleepers safe and off the streets.
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As ever, my team and I are here to help. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]. |
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