Sometimes, Parliamentary proceedings can seem a little bit removed from everyday life. Parliament is situated in a royal palace and, when you arrive as a fresh-faced MP, you are shown your own peg where you can hang your coat. And, if you have one, where you can hang your sword!
Thankfully, the sword slot is now a relic from a bygone age and reasoned debate is today the best weapon in an MP’s arsenal.
From now on, I shall be writing a new column every week that Parliament meets to relay my view of what has gone on in Westminster to constituents right here in Wolverhampton South West. I see this as an important part of my public duty to keep constituents aware of what I have been up to as their member of parliament and what I have achieved during my time there.
Since being elected in December 2019, I have voted on every occasion. I have spoken in 15 debates – ranging from the ongoing issue of school funding, the incredibly serious issue of knife crime, positive opportunities for young people, and a topic that I am a passionate believer in as a veteran myself – better mental health support for those who have served in our armed forces.
Most recently, I spoke in the debate on the nation's response to Coronavirus and have asked the Foreign Secretary about what he intends to do to help constituents stuck in India and Pakistan return to the UK, and just as importantly, have access to their required medication. I am glad that the Government is providing £75 million to charter special flights to bring British nationals home where commercial options do not exist. Further information can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus. I have also submitted many written questions – and will continue to do so.
While Parliament is currently in recess, I wanted to put pen to paper, just for a short time, to share my reflections on – and what I have learnt from – Coronavirus. Those of you who follow me on social media or read the press, will know that my family and I have just been in isolation because of COVID-19. I am saddened that many new cases continue to be confirmed every day and that lives are still being lost. I have also joined in the clap for the NHS, and especially hold New Cross Hospital in my thoughts at this challenging time. It is essential that everyone follows the Government’s guidelines and continues to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
I recognise that not everyone will be able to stay at home all of the time. These people are mainly key workers who are at the forefront of the effort to combat Coronavirus. They are the doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, teachers, retailers, and local government staff who are helping the elderly and medically vulnerable in our community get access to food supplies and medicine. I have been in regular contact with the heads of local government and health authorities, and I have been extremely encouraged by the ways in which these organisations have switched their ways of working to cope with increased demand. I am also pleased that the Chancellor has taken unprecedented action to ensure that the economy keeps flowing and frontline services are equipped with the resources that they need to keep up their exceptional work.
I am delighted that the Government has given the City of Wolverhampton Council £9.3 million emergency funding to help vulnerable people and given them additional funding to help residents pay their council tax bills. The City Council has also been allocated £53 million by the Government in business grants, and I am pleased that eligible businesses in the constituency are already receiving these. The Council have stated that constituents who require help should contact them via email at staysafebekind@wolverhampton.gov.uk and business should contact to Businesssrates@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
I am also touched by the selfless efforts of many charities based in the constituency and was pleased to learn that the Chancellor is launching a fund worth £750 million to help charities keep up their amazing work during this undeniably difficult time. Like over half a million people, I have signed up to be an NHS Volunteer Responder and look forwarding to helping in this way too.
Like most other people I have spoken to, I was moved by Her Majesty the Queen’s broadcast to the nation. In her address, Her Majesty reminded everyone of the importance of adhering to the Government’s social distancing guidelines, but also gave us a profound sense of optimism – the knowledge that, when this is over, we will get to be with our friends and extended family again. Then, just as now, my office and I shall continue working hard for the constituents of Wolverhampton South West.