As I am sure you have all seen, this week the Government announced new coronavirus rules mandating a second lockdown. So, this week in Parliament, I have been focused on ensuring support for my constituents in advance of the second Lockdown. I am acutely aware of how worried people are - about their health, the health of their loved ones, their jobs, their businesses, and their financial security. However, I am glad that the Government’s economic priority remains the same: protect jobs and support the most vulnerable.
Please follow the below links for comprehensive guidance on:
● National restrictions: what you can and cannot do
● Self-isolating and testing for coronavirus
● Schools, education and childcare
● Travel and transport
Should anyone be struggling with the effects of Covid-19, I urge you to use this service to find out what help and advice you can get from the Government and other organisations. You can use it for yourself or someone else. As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any immediate concerns.
If any business is struggling, and worrying they may need to lose staff, I would urge you to follow this link and look very carefully at what support is available before deciding to lay people off. Covid-19 support is available to most businesses, providing a lifeline in these uncertain times; it is an unprecedented series of measures including loans, tax relief and cash grants. No doubt it is a difficult time for all, but I hope these announcements will give businesses, whether they are open or required to close, the flexibility to adjust and plan over the coming months. You can find support with:
● Funding and support for all businesses
● Self-employed people and sole traders
● How to run your business safely
In local news, I am glad to report that there is an update on the flooding in Trowell and Stapleford. After a great deal of work, a successful bid for £187,500 has been approved and this will mean much-needed help and support for the residents will now be able to take place. In the next stage, the Environment Agency will identify eligible properties and will be making contact with residents to invite them along to an online event and outline their proposals.
In Parliament, I have been continuing my work to ensure we have investment coming to Broxtowe. In my capacity as Co-Chair for the Midlands Engine All-Party Parliamentary Group a meeting was held to discuss the Integrated Rail Plan - pushing our one chance to secure the benefits of our high-speed network for the Midlands. I introduced proposals for integrating local and regional improvements into HS2; It was a great chance for cross-party collaboration for the Midlands.
I also spoke with the Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan MP, yesterday. I asked her to ensure student’s mental health and welfare will be a priority for the Government in the coming months. This is something the Minister will take forward to Government. Further to this on Thursday, following emails from constituents concerned about the Green Homes Grant, I also raised my concerns to Lord Callanan, asking him to provide reassurances that the grants are not subject to lengthy planning applications and difficult eligibility tests. I am glad to report that this is not the case in most circumstances. Overall, I was encouraged by the accessibility of the grant and I would urge Broxtowe homeowners and residential landlords to check their eligibility by following this quick link.
Finally, a quick word on this year’s Remembrance Sunday.
● Broxtowe Remembrance 2020 - it will be different this year - but we will remember them. Although this years’ commemorations will not be held on the scale they normally are it is important to ensure the nation remembers the sacrifices made by the brave men and women in conflicts past and present. I will be laying my wreath at the Borough Council’s service in Beeston this Sunday along with a small number of other representatives.
● Broxtowe Borough Council is asking residents not to gather at war memorials at 11.00am to ensure we can keep everyone safe and is encouraging people to participate in the act of Remembrance from home. Measures in place to enable this to take place include:
- Live streaming the event for residents to take part from home
- Asking those wishing to lay a wreath to do so at different times throughout the weekend, provided that COVID-19 guidance is followed at all times.
● The Armed Forces community has stepped up to support the Nation through challenges no one expected. Ahead of next week, and in this time of need, we must show the Armed Forces community that we have their back - just as they have always had ours. Just this last week I was proud to vote for the Overseas Operations Bill, supporting current and former Service personnel. So, should you wish to support Poppy Appeal, please do follow this link.
For now - stay safe everyone,
Darren