Autumn 2020
A very warm welcome to my first quarterly newsletter!
I hope you find the information below useful. As ever, should you require any kind of support, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me, by e-mailing my office at angela.richardson.mp@parliament.uk .
I want to begin by taking this opportunity to thank everyone in Guildford, Cranleigh, and our villages for what they have done, and what they continue to do throughout this pandemic to support their local communities and help slow the spread of the virus.
Special thanks must go to all key workers who have kept essential services up and running. I have been inspired by the countless stories of people coming together to support those who are the most vulnerable. I recognise how challenging it has been for many over the last few months just to get by on a day to day basis due to the drastic impact the virus is having on our lives. Responding to this pandemic has been the toughest challenge this country has faced since the Second World War, but we will get through it together.
The Government's designated Coronavirus page remains the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource when it comes to guidance and new developments in our response to the pandemic.
Raising the Case of Alexander Dennis Ltd with the Prime Minister
I have been keeping in constant touch with Alexander Dennis Ltd, who have recently announced plans to lay off 200 employees in Guildford. I have released a statement in relation to this announcement and raised the issues faced by our valued bus-building industry in the House of Commons Chamber, during Prime Minister's Questions, on the 2nd of September.
My question to the Prime Minister.
Asking the Government for Action on Illegal Encampments
Following a large number of communications from constituents, making me aware of illegal traveller encampments across our constituency and their impact on local areas, I have written to the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service, enquiring about the timeline for introducing legislation to give local authorities further powers to deal with this issue. This was one of the key pledges in the Manifesto that I proudly stood on at the last election.
Debate on a Southern Heathrow Railway Link
Before Parliament broke for the summer recess, I secured a debate in Parliament where I made the case for a Southern Heathrow Railway Link, which would not only reduce the journey time between Guildford and Heathrow Airport dramatically, but also bring more economic opportunities to our community.
The full Southern Heathrow Railway Link Adjournment Debate.
As lockdown restrictions have eased slightly, it has been a pleasure to be able to get back out in the constituency, throughout the summer. I have undergone a number of visits and participated in a number of activities showcasing Guildford's resilience in the face of Covid-19.
Opening of the Guildford Borough Council Ward at Surrey County Hospital
I was pleased to attend the official opening of the brand new, specially designed Guildford Borough Council Ward, built in just four months. The ward will treat patients suffering with Covid-19 and support them back into good health. here.
Having this ward means the hospital will be well prepared to deal with any local spike in Covid-19 cases, whilst also enabling the hospital to carry on with the diagnostic and treatment of other illnesses.
You can learn more about the story of the Guildford Ward here.
Visit to Guildford College
I visited Guildford College to see how the safe return of learners will be accommodated in September. I particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse of the new Care Suite, which will be used to train and develop NHS staff.
Educational institutions such as Guildford College are vital for the future and health of our constituency.
Visit to Field of Fitness
Daniel and Jonathan kindly gave me a tour of their gym. Extensive work has gone into making the gym Covid Secure, so clients can return with full confidence and work out safely.
This pandemic has uncovered how important looking after our health and fitness is and I am delighted that Guildford has so many fantastic gyms and leisure facilities.
South Western Railway Compensation Scheme
Were you affected by the South Western Railway industrial action in December 2019? You may be eligible for compensation. Find out more and make a claim here. The deadline to claim is 30th September.
Best Small Shops Competition
Back for the fifth year, nominations for the Best Small Shops Competition 2020 are now open. 2020 has been a challenging year for small shops, especially given the added pressures of dealing with increased local demand during lockdown. Their valiant efforts deserve appropriate recognition. Click here to find out more and enter the competition.
As ever, my website offers up-to-date information regarding my work on behalf of my constituents, as well as instructions on how to contact me and how to sign up for an advice surgery. This is also where I post responses to policy enquiries landing in my inbox from across the constituency. Please do not hesitate to make use of this helpful tool.
Best wishes,