Still there for you, if not from the green benches
It is too early to tell when life may return to some semblance of normality. The Government’s conclusion from the latest scientific evidence was that we still have not reached the peak, and opted to extend the ‘lockdown’ for a further three weeks until after (a little ironically), the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend.
Polling data shows that the public supports the social distancing measures by an overwhelming margin.
On April 16, a YouGov poll showed that 91 per cent of the British public either support or strongly support the extension as a necessary measure to tackle the virus.
Over this last week I have conducted my own survey to which over 400 constituents responded and the results give a useful snapshot of how Covid-19 is impacting our local community.
Whilst it has been inspiring to see the strength of our communities pulling together – with more than four in ten of us having given voluntary help to others – the data also revealed to me a growing crisis of missed hospital appointments.
This has more than one in three respondents. This is an issue that we must consider when drawing up plans to utilise the spare capacity as soon as we ease the current restrictions.
It’s encouraging that the local NHS – following national guidance – has the spare beds and staff due to the closure of all but the most acute outpatient services but we should seek a similar ‘Nightingale’ style effort to clear this outpatient backlog as soon as possible.
My survey also revealed what I already knew from my inbox: that this unprecedented global pandemic is causing real difficulties for almost all of us.
Like much of the country, my work has continued from home. As part of a Science and Technology Select Committee investigation, we have been taking evidence from epidemiologists and other health experts about the UK’s scientific contribution to tackling the global outbreak.
I am also a member of the Commons Procedure Committee which is normally, if I am honest, a slightly dull and esoteric Select Committee albeit with lots for a new MP to learn from.
However right now it is the centre of events as we have been designing a ‘virtual’ Parliament, innovating within 800 years of tradition, as Parliament returns from Easter recess this week, performing its essential function of holding ministers to account.
While some MPs will be in the Chamber (appropriately spaced out), most have been encouraged to work from home – so I will be there for you, even if you can’t see me on the green benches!