COVID winter plan
I was in the House of Commons Chamber this afternoon for the Health Secretary’s statement on the COVID winter plan. I’m pleased that the Government is determined to avoid any more lockdowns and associated restrictions.
Future COVID variants remain a threat, and today I asked a question about the work that is ongoing to enhance/tweak existing vaccines to make better combat the threat posed by different variants which may partially evade the existing vaccines. I was pleased that the Health Secretary confirmed that work is progressing and there is a chance that by the new year there could actually be new bi or multi vaccines. This would be a big step forward regarding our fight against COVID-19.
The vaccine booster programme will commence from next week. The JCVI have recommended that people who were vaccinated in phase 1 (priority groups 1-9) should be offered the booster vaccine. The Government has accepted this advice. The vaccine should not be offered to anyone earlier than 6 months after the completion of the primary vaccine course.
The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that 99% of COVID-19 deaths in the first half of the year were people who had not received both doses of the vaccine. More evidence that the vaccine works and is the reason why we appear to have successfully escaped the endless cycle of lockdowns.
Pleased also that there aren’t currently any plans to introduce COVID-Passports.
Ipswich BMX track
Was great to be at Ipswich BMX track yesterday on Landseer Park. It’s grand reopening after months of work to redevelop the track. It’s been transformed making the track an even greater asset to the local community and Town as a whole.
Tracey Reeve and others have done a great job leading the fundraising efforts. British Cycling made the major contribution here and it was clear when I met with them how much importance they place on supporting grass roots clubs such as Ipswich BMX Club. Ipswich Borough Council also made a contribution and the hope is that the £25 million we got as part of the Town Deal can also make a small contribution to further enhance the facilities.
Clearly excellent resources such as Ipswich BMX track are great from the perspective of encouraging physical exercise but it also gives young people in the area something very positive to get involved in and aspire towards. Potentially even keeping them out of trouble.
As you will know, the track sits at the heart of the Gainsborough community where there are pockets of significant deprivation.
Meeting Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh
Haven’t really had any opportunities to meet significant political figures from around the world since I got elected. However today I was pleased to be able to meet with the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh along with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner here in the UK.
The Foreign Secretary from Bangladesh has been in the UK for a series of meetings with members of the Government and I was invited to meet with him as the Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh.
As you all know we have a significant Bangladeshi community here in Ipswich so I’ve shown an interest. I was very pleased to be able to talk to them both about the brilliant contributions made by the Bangladeshi community here in Ipswich and my role as an Ambassador for BSC Multicultural Services. The High Commissioner is planning to make a visit to Ipswich in the not too distant future.
Bangladesh is also an increasingly dynamic country economically and there are many benefits for the UK linked to increased trade and cooperation.
St Francis Tower raised at PMQs
Today, at Prime Minister’s Questions I raised the issue of St Francis Tower with the Prime Minister. I highlighted to him the condition of St Francis Tower, with shrink wrap being placed along the entirety of it leaving many in darkness. I also raised the issue of bars across resident’s windows preventing them from being properly opened and added that this could be the case for up to 12 months.
I understand the need for the work to take place but it must be balanced with the mental health and well-being of the residents. I am glad the Prime Minister shared my concerns and I will be providing him with further details to study. I also look forward to urgently meeting with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to discuss how we can address this awful situation.
I am also meeting with both Block Management and Oander Ltd next Tuesday with an expectation that many of our actions from our last meeting have been carried out.
PET THEFT REFORM
Plenty of times as an MP when you feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall. Pleased that after a long campaign it certainly seems like we’ve got a successful outcome.
From my own perspective this started with me leading a debate in Parliament on the matter and then holding meetings with Government Ministers to push for change. It all culminated in me and Iain Duncan Smith MP tabling amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would have led to pet theft being made a specific offence in law. Very pleased that the Government have listened and have moved to where we were.
For too long pet theft has been a high reward low risk crime leading in heartbreak for thousands of pet owners over the past couple of years. I very much hope that by significantly increasing the punishment for those found guilty we can help turn the tide.
