Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards writes her daily update for November 2020.
‘For me, November has been a month of frustration. Personal frustration at the limited amount I’m able to do, over a month after contracting coronavirus and frustration at the impact which the virus is continuing to have on all our lives.
‘As you will already be aware, the Prime Minister announced last week that, when the lockdown ends on 2 December Rushcliffe, along with Nottinghamshire, will re-enter Tier-3 restrictions.
‘Supporting this has been a difficult decision for me. I didn’t come into politics to wrangle over when a pasty should be considered a substantial meal or who can go Christmas shopping together. It’s miserable and I won’t pretend otherwise.
‘Even with the Government’s support schemes, the cost for many of our local businesses is great. However, given the high numbers of people in our local hospitals, 50% more than at the height of the first lockdown, and the prevalence of the virus in vulnerable age groups we have to press on with high restrictions for now.
‘I appreciate that Tier-3 is not the outcome people in Rushcliffe wanted. Immediately after the announcement, I spoke directly with ministers and was assured that that the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks, with the next two reviews on 16 and 30 December.
‘During an October visit to City Hospital’s respiratory department, I witnessed first-hand just how hard our local NHS Trust is working to save lives and the planning that goes into their Winter preparations. As we head into the Christmas holiday we must support the tireless work of our frontline healthcare workers by continuing to play our part in suppressing the spread of the virus.
‘Being in Tier-3 means there are new rules to what we can and cannot do. You can check what the new restrictions mean for you on the Government’s COVID-19 website.
‘As ever, if you require any help throughout this period please get in touch with my office on ruth.edwards.mp@parliament.uk.
‘Despite these challenges, November has seen some huge positives, with major announcements in our progress towards a vaccine arriving alongside world-leading environmental commitments from the Government.
‘The promising results from trials of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, along with recent announcements from vaccine programmes around the world means that the roll out of an effective vaccine is moving ever closer. This is a huge milestone in our fight against the virus.
‘Beyond coronavirus, exciting details for our future environmental policy have been laid out in the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.
‘Significantly, the phase-out date for new diesel and petrol vehicles has been brought forward to 2030 – a move I have been pushing for this year
‘The Plan covers all sectors of the green economy. From renewables and hydrogen, to greener aviation and construction, it will have a far-reaching impact on the UK’s environmental footprint. You can read a full breakdown of the Government’s commitments to our planet here.’
Ruth Edwards MP
