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. 

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).  
 
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.  
 

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. 

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!