MY WEEKLY UPDATE
[1]
Dear John,
Last Monday marked the day that double-jabbed individuals and under 18s
were no longer required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close
contact of someone with COVID-19.
This is due to the phenomenal success of the NHS’ vaccine programme with
over 79 million vaccine doses being administered in the UK. However,
testing remains critical to controlling the virus and there is still a
requirement to self-isolate for those who test positive, as this will
further reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
While Covid is still present right across the constituency, we are
beginning to see Covid rates, for the most part, gradually begin to reduce.
However, the focus is now on 18- to 29-year-olds with just 30% of this age
bracket, yet to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination. In response,
businesses have agreed to partner with the NHS and offer special discounts.
This includes Bolt, the ride hailing service, who are offering 10,000 free
trips to young people who attend major walk-in vaccination centres. 18- to
29-year-olds who attend Aston University or Villa Park for their first
vaccination, will receive a unique discount code from healthcare workers
onsite, which can be redeemed on the Bolt app.
YOU CAN CHECK THE COVID RATE IN YOUR WARD HERE
[2]
CONCERN FOR THOSE IN AFGHANISTAN
On Friday last week, I wrote to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab MP,
expressing my grave concern about the way in which the Government has
walked away from the people of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of
troops (read the letter here [3]).
Since I wrote that letter, the situation has quickly deteriorated with 18.4
million people in Afghanistan who now need humanitarian assistance. 80% of
Afghans who have been forced to flee their homes are women and children and
as the violence increases, it’s the most vulnerable bearing the brunt.
On Wednesday, Parliament was recalled to debate the growing crisis and the
UK’s response. Keir Starmer stood in front of the Despatch Box and gave a
moving and powerful speech highlighting the complacency and incompetency of
the Prime Minister and his Foreign and Development Secretary. He rightly
raised the failure of government, which had 18 months to plan and prepare
for the consequences of the US withdrawing their troops. That failure has
let down the Afghan people and the UK nationals who worked with them.
After so many catastrophic failures of judgement, the Prime Minister cannot
allow the Foreign Secretary to continue in his role and must now focus on
using every tool that remains at his disposal to ensure no one is left
behind.
In the last week, I have had a number of constituents contact me and ask
for help concerning immediate relatives that are now trying to escape from
Afghanistan. I am doing all that I can to support them and to share their
urgent requests with the Home Office. If you need any support with a
similar situation, please contact me on 0121 392 8426 or
[email protected].
While the situation in Afghanistan is horrifying, there remain things we
can all do to help. You can write to the PM and pressure him to provide
urgent humanitarian support and to protect the most vulnerable. You can
amplify the voices and support the work of Afghan activists on social media
and other channels. Finally, you can donate to non-government organisations
that are working in Afghanistan to support displaced Afghanis.
READ MY BLOG HERE
NEW BUS ROUTE EXTENSION COMES TO BARTLEY GREEN
Following the survey that I carried out earlier this year with National
Express West Midlands on bus services in Bartley Green, extensive
discussions were carried out and now, an extension to the X21 route has
been announced.
I would like to thank all of the residents that replied to the survey. It
shows just what can be achieved when we come together, provide feedback and
evidence to improve vital services like transport for the local community.
The new service will mean that residents will be provided with cheaper and
faster travel.
The new route will come into effect from Sunday 29th August and will see
residents in Bartley Green become better connected. The X21 will cover
Woodgate Lane, Cromwell Lane, Genners Lane, Adams Hill, Wood Lane, Field
Lane and Romsley Road.
[4]
GOOD LUCK TO THE BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX
This weekend is set to be a fantastic few days of sport with the Birmingham
Phoenix Women having reached the semi-final of the Hundred and, having
topped the league table, the Birmingham Phoenix Men will be heading
straight to Saturday’s final.
I think it’s clear to see that in its inaugural year, the Hundred has
been a resounding success. More than ever, families and friends across
Birmingham have been attending Edgbaston and backing the Phoenix and it’s
fantastic to see cricket thrive in Birmingham.
So, I’m wishing both teams the best of luck in their respective matches
and let’s hope the Phoenix hit it for six this weekend!
WATCH MY GOOD LUCK MESSAGE
© 2020 Printed from an email sent by Preet Kaur Gill. Promoted by A.J Webb
on behalf of Preet Kaur Gill, both at 56 Wentworth Road, B17 9TA.
Unsubscribe [5]
.
[6] [7] [8] [9] [10]
Links:
------
[1] [link removed]
[2] [link removed]
[3] [link removed]
[4] [link removed]
[5] [link removed]
[6] [link removed]
[7] [link removed]
[8] [link removed]
[9] [link removed]
[10] [link removed]
