MP’s REPORT OF MAY 2020 ACTIVITIES 

 

I provide regular updates on my work to local residents.

 

You can find previous reports of my work on my web site; www.ruthcadbury.co.uk  I also report regularly on my Facebook page and via Twitter and Instagram @RuthCadbury. You can see full details of my questions and speeches in Parliament, and get Regular updates about my Parliamentary activities on TheyWorkForYou in Hansard and on YouTube

See my special Coronavirus Web-page for information on

local and national services, help-lines and volunteering;

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LEADERSHIP

When Covid-19 first started to multiply in the UK, I reserved judgement as to the timing of the Government’s decisions around lock-down. But then my anger grew as the UK is now only second to the US in the number of deaths, there are still around a thousand people dying every 4 days, and over 7,000 new cases a day. The reproductive rate is perilously close to 1 and we've got a test and trace system that doesn't work.

 

Now the debacle over Dominic Cummings is only going to make it more difficult to get the infection under control.  We have put aside our normal instincts; as parents, as siblings, as children of ageing parents and as friends; in order to keep not only ourselves safe, but our community and our country. So many constituents have told me about the heartache they endured as they followed both the lockdown rules including parents who had to care for children while being really ill themselves.  For the Prime Minister to condone Cummings' actions is a clear insult to everyone who has followed the lockdown rules, and shows there is one rule for the Prime Minister’s advisors and another rule for everyone else. 

 

And who WAS Johnson looking at every time he turned to the side for reassurance during his shambolic performance during the Liaison Committee session the day after the Rose Garden press conference?

 

“LET ME BREATHE”

After yet another night of angry protests in the States, we cannot dismiss the situation in the US as not being relevant here. This is a wake-up call that our neighbours, friends and colleagues here in the UK still experience racism regularly and we have a duty to call it out.

Heathrow is now operating at less than 5% of it’s normal capacity, and whilst we may be basking in the silence and the clean air, this is having a devastating impact on those whose jobs or businesses are dependent on the airport. At least 10% of the borough’s adult population work directly at Heathrow, and many more in the supply chain. We know that Aviation will take longer than most other sectors to recover. I have had meetings with Council officers, unions and I chaired a briefing for MPs whose constituencies surround Heathrow, to discuss a recovery plan for our area. We will be seeking specific support from the government, such as extending the furlogh scheme for this sector, and supporting skills training so that people can diversify into other jobs in the medium to long term.  That support should have clear conditions around jobs, terms and conditions and environmental targets. 

 

The one bit of good news is that the pandemic has probably killed the third runway for ever – a blessing for our local environment and for the planet.  

CONTACTING ME AND MY TEAM

 

Although I am no longer able to meet with you in person for the time being, my team and I are still working to assist you.  Please understand that we will have to deal with the most urgent situations first and then any relating to COVID-19. Other emails and calls may take longer to receive a response. Please email [email protected] including your full contact details (& any relevant reference numbers e.g. DWP. Home Office, and/or my ZA reference) if we’ve responded on the same issue before.  Without all the above information, there may be a delay processing your enquiry.

Phone: 020 8581 3646 between 10am - 2pm Monday - Thursday and we will do our very best to assist you or 020 7219 8590.

 

As there was less parliamentary time, there were fewer opportunities to speak or question Ministers.  However, rather than ending them, the arrangments should be extended.  Under the hybrid Parliament, MPs have been able to participate irrespective of whether we are shielding or pregnant or  ill, or caring for others in the family, or for whom travelling to Westminster is difficult.  But instead, as I write this, the Government is bringing it to an end, and with it the equality of access for MPs to contribute.  Now it seems participation will only be possible for those able to come to Westminster.

 

Furthermore, many more MPs could have to stay away if identified as potentially having Covid-19 through the Test & Trace system.  I share the disapointment of many members of all parties about the premature ending of the arrangements as it will be many months before Parliament is deemed safe enough to function as before. I submitted my views to the inquiry on the issue being carried out by the Procedures Committee.

THE IMMIGRATION BILL  The Government insisted on pushing ahead with a new Immigration Bill. This is part of Brexit preparation and not only ends freedom of movement for EU citizens wishing to enter the UK but also gives Government Ministers the powers to push ahead with a new ‘points-based’ immigration system. EU and non-EU migrants make a huge contribution both locally and across the UK, yet this Bill means that over 66% of those currently in the health and social work sector would be unable to enter the country.

It’s not right that Government Ministers clap for our carers on a Thursday and then push ahead with plans for an immigration system that would make it harder to support our care sector.

 

We need an immigration system that works for communities across our country, that works for our economy and works for our NHS and social care sector. It’s clear that the Government’s current plan fails that test. 

 

THE AGRICULTURE BILL  The Agriculture Bill 2nd reading passed by a majority in the Commons in May, and shows the government’s intention to lower standards across the board. The bill could have been an chance to improve food and animal welfare standards while tackling the climate crisis – but the government wasted that opportunity.  In recent months, it has become apparent that this government is desperate to strike a trade deal with the US at any cost. However, we must not allow any deal to undermine our existing food and animal welfare standards. Our farmers cannot survive if they are undercut, and if that were to happen, it would be the consumers who suffer as a result.

 

During May I:

• Wrote to the communities & local government secretary calling for changes to the Covid grant scheme so more local small businesses could benefit.
• Following my question in the House, I wrote to Matt Hancock seeking a commitment to long-term mental health support given the impact of the pandemic on mental health on both NHS staff and all those bereaved and traumatised by the impact of the pandemic
• Wrote, along with 20 other London MPs to the PM highlighting that Transport workers are dying of Covid-19 at an even higher rate than health workers, seeking Government support for adequate PPE and death in service benefits
• Wrote to the Prisons Minister about the need for adequate PPE in prisons to keep both prisoners and prison staff safe;
• Wrote another letter to the Chancellor expressing concerns about the Self-employed impact scheme;
• Signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) opposing Israel’s annexation of the West Bank.

I was very pleased to be asked by our shadow Justice Secretary, David Lammy, to be his PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary).

 

COMMUNITY UPDATE

 

Hounslow borough has had a lower death and infection rate than other boroughs and PPE stocks for NHS and care homes managed to hold up. The Council’s Hub has responded to the varied needs of vulnerable and isolated residents. I would like to compliment Cllr Steve Curran, Councillors and officers for the extraordinary work to make this possible, and also for the public Q&A Zoom session Steve held.  It’s also good to know that Hounslow has had London’s lowest level of Covid19 infections in care homes.  This is thanks in no small part to the work of Hounslow’s Director of Public Health, Kelly O’Neil who (unusually for a DPH) has a background in nursing and in infectious disease control, and she has visited and briefed the managers and staff of all care homes on safe care techniques that reduce the spread of infection. 

 

I’ve had regular calls with many senior leaders, but particularly of our local Council, Police and Health Services and with the London Mayor’s Officer and the Deputy Mayor for Transport (Heidi Alexander).

AFTER TWO LONG MONTHS OF LOCKDOWN – we are not out of the woods, but in the days ahead many will be heading back to school or work.  However, the need for help and support for vulnerable people will, if anything, increase, so if you have time, or money, please do support your local community.

 

If you can volunteer please do; with your local Covid19 Mutual Aid Group, or Hounslow Volunteering Centre to help a Hounslow community organisation. 

 

If you can spare money to hard-pressed charities – then please do that too.  Many vital charities may not survive the loss of income as normal charitable giving collapses.  And now there will be the exponential growth in demand for some such as foodbanks, advice and information services and domestic violence charities. 

Here are some local ones:  Hounslow Community Foodbox  Ivybridge Foodbank (run by All Souls Church, St Margarets),  AgeUK Hounslow, and Hounslow Open Kitchen

 

If you can – please give generously of your time or your money!!

 

You can get daily updates about national and local information and services from Hounslow Council here.

Printed from an email sent my Ruth Cadbury MP