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GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my regular South West Surrey update No. 132. As of today, we had a total of 4,434,860 positive cases of COVID-19 with 127,605 confirmed deaths in the UK. There have been 5,876 confirmed cases in Waverley and sadly 246 confirmed deaths with an estimated 12 active cases in Waverley. All data is accurate as of 11am this morning.

SHOT SUCCESS Over 60,000 people in South West Surrey have now been vaccinated with at least one dose and 26,291 have had the second. Nationally, one in three adults have received both doses ([link removed]) of a COVID-19 vaccination, which is an extraordinary achievement. The latest R range for England is 0.8-1 ([link removed].) and in the last seven days in the UK: coronavirus cases ⬇️4.3%, hospital admissions ⬇️24.6%, and deaths ⬇️39.1%.

GREEN LIST Last week the Transport Secretary announced the countries which are on England's travel green list, which include Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Iceland. From May 17, Brits will be able to travel to these destinations without needing to self-isolate, although tests are still necessary. Popular European destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece, are on the amber list. Read more about the rules and travel lists here ([link removed]) .

ASTRA ADVICE The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued new a recommendation saying people aged 40 and below without underlying health conditions should receive an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine ([link removed]) . This follows the April decision for adults aged under 30 to be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Importantly, the MHRA has highlighted that this is all about striking a benefit-risk balance and blood clots and low platelet count are still extremely rare events.

MENTAL HEALTH To mark the commencement of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Education Secretary announced £17m funding to improve mental health services in schools and colleges ([link removed]) . The pandemic has been extremely difficult for many young people and so I’m delighted that around 8,000 schools will be able to properly train senior mental health leads. The ultimate aim, as set out in my green paper ([link removed]) , is to roll out this training to all areas by 2025. All credit to children’s minister Vicky Ford for being open about her own anorexia ([link removed]) .

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

WESTMINSTER WEEK Last week my work has ranged from the ultra global, with a fascinating interview with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to the ultra local, with litter picks in Farnham, Haslemere and Milford. Watch the highlights here ([link removed]) .

TORY GAINS Congratulations to the newly elected Councillors, Mayors, and Police and Crime Commissioners across the country. Locally it was a disappointing result for Conservatives although the Conservative Candidate Lisa Townsend was voted in as the new Police and Crime Commissioner ([link removed]) and Conservatives Kevin Deanus and David Harmer won in Waverley Villages. Commiserations to the other brilliant Conservatives who didn’t quite make it - but as local MP I will always work constructively with all councillors whatever their party. Nationally of course the Hartlepool win (for the first time ever) represents a potentially extraordinary realignment, alongside retaining the Tees Valley and West Midlands mayoralties, and gaining overall control of councils like Cornwall, Nottinghamshire, and Northumberland. Also for unionists it was encouraging that the SNP failed to get the majority they sought but we clearly
need to do much more to make the positive case for the Union.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY

FAITH LEADERS On Friday I had a really thoughtful discussion with Farnham faith leaders ([link removed]) talking about mental health, loneliness, support for young people with mentoring and the pros/cons of technology. Thanks to all for attending and to Revd David Uffindell for organising. The key takeaway message: we need to build on the community spirit engendered by the pandemic, not lose it.

FARNHAM SCHOOLS Following my meeting with Farnham heads to discuss the government’s mentoring programme to help children left behind during the pandemic, I have secured a meeting with Schools Minister Nick Gibb and will be taking a delegation to see him (virtually of course).

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

THE ECONOMY AND JOBS

BUSINESS UPDATE A newly published Office for National Statistics (ONS) report on the impacts of Brexit and COVID-19 reveals that 52% of service businesses reported normal exports in mid-January 2021, compared to 57% in December 2020. More detailed analysis here ([link removed]) .

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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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