Happy New Year

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Dear John,

I hope you and your family were able to enjoy Christmas and the New Year as safely as possible.

As you will know, we have now returned to lockdown. Full details of what this means for you and your family can be found here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): stay at home guidance

Unfortunately, the Scottish Borders has now one of the highest rates of COVID-19 in the country. It is important that we all follow the guidance to help drive down the virus.

Despite the difficult situation we are in, I believe there are some reasons to be hopeful for the future. Do read on below to find out why!

As ever, get in touch with me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely,

John

Watch my video about the new restrictions in place in the Scottish Borders.

Today, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved another vaccine for use in the United Kingdom. This means that there are now three approved for use in the UK. The UK Government has pre-ordered tens of millions of these to protect everyone in every city, town and village in the country.

I am delighted that a trade deal has been struck between the UK and the EU. I was proud to vote for this deal which ensured that trade can continue with our friends in the EU.
The President of the European Commission was right when she described this agreement as ‘the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.’
Sadly, Nicola Sturgeon told her MPs to vote against this deal which would have meant leaving without one in place. I know many Borderers were very opposed to leaving with no deal, so I am delighted that the UK and the EU came to this historic agreement and was overwhelmingly supported.
This is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a new chapter. It will be the work of our lifetimes to build our new relationship in full.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has announced that the furlough scheme has been extended again to the end of April 2021. This provides certainty to businesses and individuals. We are now in another lockdown which is extremely challenging for our economy and local jobs. You can find out more info here: Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes

Get in touch

John Lamont MP

25 High Street

Hawick

Hawick, TD9 9BU

United Kingdom

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