News of a second Covid-19 vaccine reporting high rates of success, especially with older people, has been a real boost this week as we get to the halfway point of this lockdown. The UK now has enough doses to immunise just under half the population. Hopefully more vaccines will be declared effective this side of Christmas, meaning life can begin to return to normal early next year. Until then, we must do all we can to limit the spread of the virus by following all the rules. We cannot be complacent.
Some of those most affected by the pandemic have been teachers and other school staff. I held another virtual meeting last Friday with primary and secondary school headteachers in Meon Valley to catch up with the latest issues their schools are facing and what support they need. I have already written to the Department for Education to ensure that their voices are heard and have requested a meeting with Gavin Williamson.
Teachers and all school staff deserve a huge amount of gratitude and praise for all that they have done during lockdown. They have borne the brunt of covid-19 on the front line as it is important that schools stay open. Every time a pupil or teacher needs to self-isolate it adds to the workload of those who remain. Teachers are working incredibly hard without a break, so I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of them. I was hoping to visit Woodcroft Primary in Waterlooville in person today but instead held a Zoom call.
On Monday, I hosted a meeting with the Police Federation and other Hampshire MPs listening to what police are doing at this difficult time, and about their efforts to recruit more officers. Thanks to the Government’s drive to increase the number of officers nationally by 20,000, Hampshire Constabulary has already recruited over 161 more. This represents a tangible increase in their capacity and should make a real difference.
Finally, having attended another Zoom meeting on the new hospital proposals, I would like to hear your views. Hampshire Together - a group of NHS organisations in our area - have identified two sites, one near the existing hospital in Basingstoke and the other at Junction 7 on the M3. It is an exciting thought to have a brand-new hospital which will take over many of the Winchester hospital services. My initial view is that we would prefer Junction 7, especially if it is easily accessible by public transport and has loads of parking, unlike Winchester. So please let me know what you think.
There will be a public consultation on the proposals which you can respond to directly (I will put it on my website and social media when it goes live), but before I respond to it, I want to hear your opinions. So please do let me know what you think by sending me an email. I will compile the responses and feedback your views.
Have a great weekend!