Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 25 November 2020) below:
Covid-19
Over recent weeks, we have seen some excellent news about two potential vaccines reaching the final stages of their trials, plus a third being developed by Oxford University is progressing well.
At the same time new case numbers appear to be flattening across both our nation and here in our bay, all positive signs of how the work being done to tackle the pandemic is having an effect. There is now a sense of seeing light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, especially for our tourism businesses looking ahead to next year’s summer season.
Yet even if a vaccination programme starts before Christmas it will still take some months for it to cover all the most vulnerable. Likewise, only looking at how many lose their lives to Covid-19 misses the wider impact on the health of those who survive it, including “Long Covid”.
Next week a tiered approach will replace the current national restrictions. We will hear shortly which tier our bay will be in. Whilst some measures will be similar to those in place previously, the tiers will also be strengthened in some areas.
Whilst we look forward to the end of our battle with Covid-19 and getting back to doing the things we enjoy, now is not the time for our resolve to slip or for becoming complacent. Now is the time to ensure our opponent’s recent retreat is the start of its defeat.
First in Line?
Once a vaccine is available the biggest logistical operation of recent times will be needed to administer it to millions of people, with planning already underway here in our bay.
It should be our local Public Health teams, plus national NHS experts, who determine the first in line for vaccination in Torbay, not me or any other politician. Whilst I appreciate many will want to lobby for particular groups to be first in line, it is vital this program follows medical priorities.
Defence Spending Boost
There was positive news for our armed forces last week as new defence funding was announced which will create tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, including here in South Devon.
This is the largest investment in our nation’s defence in the last 30 years, providing our defence budget with an extra £24.1 billion over the next four years. The commitment will allow the Government to invest in cutting-edge technology, positioning the UK as a global leader in domains such as cyber and space and cement the UK’s position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO.
Given South Devon’s maritime industry it was good to hear the Prime Minister emphasise the future role of the Royal Navy and the investment it will receive.
Surgery Times
With the restrictions now reintroduced I have sadly had to cancel my regular advice surgeries until further notice.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone surgery appointment can be arranged.
Please note these appointments are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation.
You can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
