Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 27th May 2020) below:
Recovery
Our bay was one of the first places in the UK to be affected by Covid-19 (Coronavirus), yet the last fortnight has seen only a tiny number of new cases in our region.
We cannot be complacent and must stay alert in order to prevent a second peak, but the achievements so far have been significant and are thanks to those working hard on the front line of the NHS and Social Care, plus the many others who have played their part over recent weeks.
Yet the economic impact of the measures necessary to achieve this reduction in cases became starkly apparent as the numbers claiming Universal Credit, the key benefit for those without employment, in April were released. There were 4,295 claimants in Torquay and Paignton, 2,365 higher than in April 2019. These would be even worse if many in tourism and retail businesses were not furloughed.
There has been a huge effort across our bay to fight Covid-19, yet there will soon be an equally big effort needed to ensure we can bounce back from this difficult period. The determination and teamwork of recent weeks shows there is no reason we cannot do so.
Hybrid Parliament
A debate on the Immigration Bill included my first speech in the “hybrid” House of Commons.
It is an odd experience to sit in the chamber watching colleagues speaking through large TV screens placed along the viewing galleries, with some inevitable technical glitches! The most ironic was MPs from Scotland were heard perfectly, but a London MP found her broadband failed just as she was called to speak.
This system has ensured parliament can function during this period, yet there are limitations. You cannot intervene on someone speaking to query a point, plus Ministers face shorter and more predictable question times. Urgent Questions, normally granted with a few hours’ notice to keep Ministers on their toes, are now agreed the day before.
The system has worked to a point, I hope a few changes are kept in the long term, yet I will look forward to when we can get back to a “new” normal.
Schools
A phased return for many Primary School Pupils will start next week.
I am grateful for the work of school staff and teachers who have supported the children of key workers throughout this period and for the briefings I have received from Torbay Council on the efforts they are to re-open schools safely.
School life is most missed by those children who face the biggest challenges in life, hence it is vital to restart it now scientific and medical advice says we can.
Surgery Times
Based on current advice relating to the Coronavirus I have cancelled my regular advice surgeries and drop-in sessions at my East St Office until further notice.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone call surgery appointment can be arranged. Please note due to the current level of demand these telephone surgeries are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation nationally.
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.
