Spring 2021
Welcome to my spring 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 wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Guildford, Cranleigh, and our villages for joining our nationwide efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Over the past weeks we have seen a significant decrease in the infection number and, perhaps more importantly, in the number of deaths.
Thanks to the efforts of millions up and down the country and to the impressive roll-out of the three approved vaccines, the UK's Coronavirus alert level has been downgraded from level 5, the highest one, to level 4.
I was pleased that the Government has published its roadmap out of lockdown, which sets out the steps and the tests which need to be met for the phased return to normality. Below you can find a graphic summary of these steps.
As ever, 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.
Opposition Day Debate on Workers' Rights
I was pleased to speak in the opposition day debate on workers’ rights. The UK has one of the best records on workers’ rights in the world, going further than the EU in many areas, such as sick pay, maternity leave, and annual leave.
I was proud to stand on a manifesto commitment to further raise these rights and I am looking forward to our country pulling together and building back better after the Coronavirus pandemic, with a plan for investment in exciting green jobs.
My contribution to the debate.
Debate on Unsafe Cladding
After having heard from constituents who are affected by current issues relating to removing unsafe cladding, I brought their views to the House of Commons, during a debate on the matter.
I added my voice to calls to find a solution that is appropriate for all stakeholders to end the cladding crisis and I am delighted that the Housing Secretary has since announced a further £3.5 billion towards cladding remediation, bringing the total funding to £5 billion.
My contribution to the debate.
Debate on the Space Industry
I am immensely proud that Guildford is a space hotspot with a truly global reach in this industry. I paid tribute to the ongoing success of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, who provide hundreds of jobs in Guildford. A co-ordinated long-term investment plan in the space industry will bring benefits for the people of Guildford and beyond including innovation, economic growth, and inspiring young people into STEM careers.
My contribution to the debate.
Visit to Lydling Farm
In December, before the introduction of tougher restrictions, I was delighted to visit Lydling Farm, in Shackleford, to discuss issues important to local farmers. Among the issues raised with me were the increased use of footpaths that run through, or close to, farmyards and grazing grounds which could put people who live and work in rural areas at risk, as well as an increased risk to livestock due to much larger numbers of people walking dogs in the countryside as a result of the lockdowns imposed due to Covid-19.
I also welcomed views on how the UK can reduce its emissions from beef production, as we are looking at ways to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas targets.
Online Meeting with Guildford Philanthropy
Guildford has a history of supporting those who are less fortunate, and Guildford Philanthropy is an integral part of this. The group - chaired by Peter Cluff - is working with local stakeholders to assist with the distribution of laptops to children studying at home through the pandemic.
In January, I met with Peter Cluff, Matt Gaskin, Sanjat Patel and Mike Parsons, from Guildford Philanthropy to ensure that stakeholders co-ordinated their efforts in an integrated approach to make the delivery of laptops run as smoothly as possible.
I wish to thank all those who have participated in the effort to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds continue with their studies throughout lockdown.
Sewage
In February, I undertook emergency visits to assess the damage brought upon gardens in Ockley Road and Farthingham Lane in Ewhurst by raw sewage flowing through the watercourse and pipes passing through these gardens.
Whilst it is helpful that the source has finally been identified in December and a proper fix is being put in place, there is still an ongoing clean-up issue. Having been in communication with residents affected by this issue for 6 months, as well as with other authorities, I held a meeting with officers from Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council to discuss the issues faced by residents and to urge them to help in expediting the clean-up effort. I have also asked Waverley to increase their communications with residents on progress, as it is made.
Vaccinations in Guildford
In what continues to be an outstanding national effort, over 20 million people have now received a first dose of one of three Covid-19 vaccine options.
It is incredible to reflect on how quickly the roll-out has progressed. In Guildford, the Royal Surrey continues to play a crucial role in battling the pandemic through administering vaccinations in addition to treating severe cases of Covid-19.
Furthermore, the use of G-live as a vaccination centre for residents of Guildford and surrounding areas is also a huge help in our local fight against the virus, with the Superdrug pharmacy in Guildford being one of the first six high street pharmacies to be used to administer Covid-19 vaccinations. Cranleigh Village Hall has also been playing a crucial part in the vaccination effort, administering hundreds of jabs to locals each day.
These fantastic efforts, supported by teams of dedicated and hardworking healthcare professionals, have ensured that, so far, over a quarter of the people living in the Guildford constituency have had their first jab. News of the great strides made in Guildford have reached the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who has sent his thanks to all those involved in the vaccine roll-out in Guildford, through a recorded message which you can view below.
The Secretary of State's Message.
These past few months have been difficult for so many in Guildford, Cranleigh, and our villages and my team and I have been working hard to support those who reached out to us, asking for help.
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,
Angela Richardson MP
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