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GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my regular South West Surrey update No. 125. As of today, we had a total of 4,378,305 positive cases of COVID-19 with 127,161 confirmed deaths in the UK. There have been 5,784 confirmed cases in Waverley and sadly 246 confirmed deaths, with an estimated 36 active cases in Waverley. All data is accurate as of 11am this morning.

TARGET TRACKER Earlier in the week we reached our goal to jab the most vulnerable by the 15th of April ([link removed]) , meaning that all those in the target groups 1-9 have now been offered a COVID-19 vaccine – a fantastic achievement. 19 out of 20 people aged 50+ and with the highest clinical risk have taken up their offer of an NHS vaccine. So it’s onto the next group now and if you’re aged 45+, you can now book ([link removed]) an appointment. In South West Surrey, over 54,000 people have been vaccinated with at least 1 dose ([link removed]) (and in reality that number is higher, because there is a delay in reporting local data). Nationally, we have administered a total of 40.1 million doses. If only there was a Vaccine World Cup…

COVID IN THE CAPITAL Surge testing is underway in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, and Barnet ([link removed]) after numerous South African variant cases were confirmed. Although scientists believe that these outbreaks will be contained, it all goes to show that vaccines alone may not end the pandemic unless we keep on top of new variants. You can hear me discussing these issues earlier in the week with Evan Davies on Radio 4’s PM ([link removed]) (at 37 mins 30 secs).

OVER 10,000 LIVES SAVED in the first three months of the vaccination programme, according to new Public Health England (PHE) data. And even the normally cautious PHE thinks that may be an underestimate. More information on their methodology here ([link removed]) .

COVID CURES CANCER? Wait, what? According to doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, coronavirus may have caused a cancer patient’s tumours to disappear ([link removed]) by triggering ‘an anti-tumour immune response’. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, the patient developed severe COVID-19 and was hospitalised. Following his recovery, scans revealed that his tumours had pretty much vanished. That’s one to get our heads around.

The key number to remember for anyone with pandemic-related difficulties remains 0300 200 1008 the Surrey Helpline run by Surrey County Council (Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm).

WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER

CARE CRISIS Boris Johnson committed to a 10-year plan for social care 3 weeks ago at the Liaison Committee ([link removed]) but when and how will consultation happen? So far little detail from the Department of Health and Social Care which is why I will keep on pushing as I know it is a big issue locally as well as nationally. My question to Matt Hancock here ([link removed]) .

AUTISM & ABUSE No one worked harder as a minister on autism/learning disability issues than Norman Lamb who was my minister when I was health secretary. Ultimately however we both failed to resolve the issues raised by the Winterbourne View scandal which is why I have returned to the issue with the Select Committee. Click here ([link removed]) to watch Norman’s explanation and what now needs to happen. In truth the way we treat people with severe autism and learning disabilities remains shameful - this powerful testimony from Ian Birrell ([link removed]) is well worth a listen. Should we follow Italy's approach and abolish long term in-patient care for people with autism and learning disabilities? My question here ([link removed]) . The select committee seems to be edging towards this radical approach.

SWEET SWEDEN Margot Wallstrom, former deputy PM of Sweden, is one of the most thoughtful and anglophile foreign ministers I worked with. Is there a way out of the post-divorce hostility in relations between the UK and EU? ([link removed]) I’ll interview her today at 4pm, details here ([link removed]) .

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY

COMMUNITY CRIMES are down 14% compared to last year. Although some reductions are due to the pandemic, Surrey remains the 5^th safest county in England and Wales, despite its proximity to the capital. Surrey police has also observed improved representation in their workforce and I welcome the increases in the number of BAME and female joiners. Watch Gavin Stephens, the Chief Constable, go through the Surrey Police Commitments here ([link removed]) . And remember it’s the Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 6th. Proud to be backing the excellent Conservative Surrey PCC candidate, Lisa Townsend ([link removed]) .

AMP IT UP Great to see Waverley adopt the Electric Vehicle Strategy, which will encourage the use of electric cars locally. The plan is in line with the council’s plan to reduce emissions and achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030. Click here ([link removed]) to learn more about electric vehicle charging points in Waverley.

PRINCE PHILIP visited Surrey many times since the 1950s, as documented here ([link removed]) . Following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death, I’ve dedicated this week’s Farnham Herald article ([link removed]) to him. As I say in the article reflecting on Philip’s life makes you notice the things that appear unusual or different by today’s standards. He gave up a glittering naval career for a life of service. He was a natural alpha male but never complained about being a consort. He spent his life in the media spotlight but never complained about unkind rumours or sought to correct falsehoods. In short a remarkable man.

See my list of local groups working to support vulnerable residents here ([link removed]) .

THE ECONOMY AND JOBS

CHEAPER COVID-19 TESTS Randox, one of the largest COVID-19 test suppliers, has reduced the price of PCR tests from £100 to £60 following criticism from many, including the Transport Secretary. Click here ([link removed]) to find out more about coronavirus testing for holidaymakers which we all hope will be cheap and easy…and without 6 hour airport waits ([link removed]) as reported in the Times today.

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

HUNGOVER? With the easing of restrictions and re-opening of pubs, some of you may be suffering. Not to worry, as your MP I’m here to help. Here ([link removed]) is a list of cures approved by a Nutritionist. Food items on the list include bananas, ginger, spinach, fish and water of course. Fishing you a speedy recovery…

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Promoted by Sean Donovan-Smith on behalf of Jeremy Hunt MP and South West Surrey Conservatives, all at 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6TD.

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