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GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my regular South West Surrey update No. 128. As of today, we had a total of 4,404,882 positive cases of COVID-19 with 127,428 confirmed deaths in the UK. There have been 5,827 confirmed cases in Waverley and sadly 246 confirmed deaths, with just nine estimated active cases in Waverley. All data is accurate as of 11am this morning.

58,300 PEOPLE IN SOUTH WEST SURREY have now been vaccinated with at least one dose, and over half of the UK population have had the coronavirus jab. A true UK success story ([link removed]) , especially as over 12m people who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 have now had two jabs. Locally vaccinations continue to go smoothly ([link removed]) , and in the last week in the UK: coronavirus cases ⬇️2.8%, hospital admissions ⬇️21.3%, and deaths ⬇️11.7%.

DELHI DEATHS Tragically it is much bleaker in India where daily cases and deaths continue to break world records. Hospitals are full - in heartbreaking scenes - and many patients have died due to a lack of oxygen. In New Delhi, a shocking one person is dying from the disease every four minutes. The UK is now sending ventilators to India ([link removed]) to help provide care. Click here ([link removed]) to watch the Sky News report from a crematorium outside a hospital. Absolutely horrific.

LESSONS LEARNT What have we learnt from the pandemic? I discussed the start of COVID-19, concerns about social care and workforce, and future government legislation, in this NHS Provider Podcast ([link removed]) with Chris Hopson and the BBC’s Adam Brimelow. An early failure to learn from what was happening in East Asia, particularly East Asian democracies, was probably our biggest failure. We understandably felt there was little to learn from a totalitarian country like China but we should have looked harder at what was happening in fellow democracies like Taiwan, Korea and even Singapore which followed successful zero Covid strategies. Now we have the vaccines and as we try to open up that would not be the right approach but last year it would undoubtedly have saved many lives.

NOW OR NEVER FOR SOCIAL CARE Interest in social care seems to be ramping up ahead of the Queen’s Speech. Very perceptive analysis by James Forsyth ([link removed]) on Friday was followed by a cracking editorial in today’s Times ([link removed]) . The bottom line is that we will not sort out longstanding problems faced by the NHS unless we look at the social care system as well. We should also remember what the PM told me with a wink at Liaison Committee re the likelihood of it being in the Queen's Speech: ‘I think it is highly likely, but I would not wish to anticipate the Gracious Speech at this stage’ ([link removed]) .

BRITISH BATS A novel coronavirus has been found in bats in Gloucestershire ([link removed]) according to scientists at the University of East Anglia. The new virus, RhGB01, is unable to infect humans in its current form although might become dangerous if it came into contact with current COVID-19 variants.

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

WEEK IN WESTMINSTER What have I been doing in Westminster this week that is relevant to SW Surrey residents? Here is my overview ([link removed]) focusing on issues around autism or learning disabilities which featured in our Select Committee.

FANTASTIC FILMS Congrats to Sir Anthony Hopkins and our other British Oscar winners ([link removed]) . Last week the government launched a £7 million Global Screen Fund ([link removed]) to support the industry which seems to be thriving even with the arrival of new platforms like Netflix.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY

TUTORING TEETHING issues were the main topic in a discussion I had with Farnham headteachers on Friday. The government has set aside £350 million for tutoring schemes to help students left behind during lockdown, but it sounds like the scheme is not working at all well locally. There seems to be a very limited supply of tutors available, some not high quality, and all of them disconnected from the schools and their communities because it is done through a national scheme. Wouldn't it be better just to give schools some additional funding to make their own arrangements? I am hoping to take some of the teachers I met to see schools minister Nick Gibb to discuss further.

PUBLIC PROTECTION Waverley Borough Council have approved a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Godalming area. Welcome news to deal with this long-standing problem - I still remember meeting residents of Farncombe in tears after being - literally - terrorised in their own homes and gardens. I hope Boris’s new police officers will also make a difference.

COUNCIL CAMPAIGN CONTINUES I am proud to support Frank Young ([link removed]) our brilliant county council candidate in Godalming North. I first got to know Frank when he was instrumental in a campaign to save the Royal Surrey, where his 5-year-old son was born. He’s lived and worked locally for over a decade and he is passionate about the area, so there is no one better to represent the community. More here ([link removed]) . 10 days to go…

FARNHAM NEIGHBOURS’ NETWORK is looking for new volunteers interested in supporting their neighbours. You can register your interest here ([link removed]) to help a person close by with technology, gardening, in-person visits or going for walks together. A great scheme to encourage neighbourliness.

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

THE ECONOMY AND JOBS

AUSTRALIAN AGREEMENT The Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, has agreed ‘the vast majority’ of a free trade deal with our ally Australia. The agreement is likely to be officially reached in June. Click here ([link removed]) to find out more. Looks like it could be win-win for both countries.

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

OUTSTANDING OXFORD researchers have discovered a highly effective and safe malaria vaccine ([link removed]) , with an efficacy of 77% in African children. Gareth Jenkins, Director of Advocacy, Malaria No More UK, commented: ‘an effective and safe malaria vaccine would be a hugely significant extra weapon in the armoury needed to defeat malaria, which still kills over 270,000 children every year. For decades, British scientists have been at the forefront of developing new ways to detect, diagnose, test and treat malaria, and we must continue to back them.’ I absolutely agree.

AND FINALLY, a library book that was 32 years overdue has been returned ([link removed]) to St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Peterborough. Surely a new record? Honestly, some people have no shelf control…

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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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