A distraction from work in the city

Iunderstand how diffi- cult this lockdown has been for people in Peterborough. Everyone has made sacrifices and some have faced heartbreaking choices. That’s why there is public anger about Dominic Cummings.

The most toxic thing in politics is someone behaving as though “it’s one rule for me and another rule for you”. I don’t think Mr Cummings intended that, or actually felt that way, but it’s the impression people now have – not helped by the inaccuracy of the initial claims.

For those who are unpersuaded by his answers, or are unforgiving, public trust must now be rebuilt. I have communicated constituents’ concerns, and my own, to the Government.

I’m also writing to every constituent who contacts me, explaining my own views at length. If you would like to receive this letter, please email me at: paul.bristow. mp@parliament.uk

Locally, this whole episode has forced me to devote time and energy away from doing things for our city – supporting its organisations and businesses, helping local people, and campaigning for the opportunities that Peterborough is long overdue.

I have seen so many wonderful community efforts during the lockdown, uniting us all. As it finally starts to lift, and aspects of normality are restored, our city’s recovery is on the horizon.

Shops and businesses are preparing to reopen on 1st and 15th June. Our schools will return. Life can return, not least to parts of the city centre.

The Government has launched a £50 million fund to get the country’s high streets and town centres going again. This will help Peterborough City Council to introduce the measures we need to stay safe and keep the virus under control.

Many Peterborough businesses have already introduced creative ways of trading, like contactless collection or taking orders by instant messaging. It shows that they are ready for the challenges ahead.

Our economic recovery is essential for local jobs and livelihoods. The Government has put vast sums into the Coronavirus response, but it can only be sustained for so long.

In Cambridgeshire, our councils alone have received £347 million. That involves £45 million of emergency funding, £8 million to care homes, £132 million in business rates relief, £5 million for Council Tax relief, and £157 million sent as grants to businesses.

Nationally, the Government has already committed £124 billion. That involves £82 billion to support organisations and jobs, including furloughing, £20 billion on extra benefits and support for the vulnerable, and £22 billion for public services and the emergency response.

There will inevitably be more. It has been absolutely the right thing to do, but all spending will have to be paid from our taxes – or borrowed and eventually repaid.

That’s a basic fact which the Labour Party has never understood. Imagine the state of the country now, if Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott had led us through this?

Fortunately, things worked out differently at the election. The Conservative manifesto promised to level up the regions and provide new opportunities. We are still totally committed to that agenda. It’s my job to ensure that Peterborough doesn’t miss out. Despite all the difficulties, I am optimistic for our future.

We have not allowed the Coronavirus to beat us. Our businesses and people have genuinely made our City stand out. Let’s be proud and confident – we can do this!

Peterborough’s MP writes his regular column for the Peterborough Telegraph