Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 10th April print edition.
It is four months since the General Election, when I had the privilege of being elected as the Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter with the biggest ever share of the vote for this constituency since 1935. I was honoured that so many people put their trust in me and since then I have been working hard in Parliament, scrutinising and voting on legislation, dealing with casework, and making sure that constituents voices are heard in Westminster.
There have been many significant events during these last few months, primarily the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on 31st January. One of our key manifesto pledges during the General Election was to “Get Brexit Done”. After three long years of debate the democratic will of the country was carried out when MP’s finally voted through the European Withdrawal Bill - a truly historic moment for our country.
However, there is one serious concern that is currently on everyone’s minds – Coronavirus. This is quite simply the most significant public health crisis that this country has faced.
The Government, NHS, Emergency Services, and our frontline workers, are working around the clock to get the country through this pandemic. It is an unprecedented situation that is having a devastating effect on lives, not just in the United Kingdom but globally.
We are all made aware daily of the measures that the Government has put in place to protect lives and support the economy. But what has really come to the fore, in this time of adversity, is an amazing community spirt here in Burton and Uttoxeter and the desire for everyone to pull together. Businesses, such as JCB, have switched their production to help make ventilators, Burton Albion Football Club have provided use of the Pirelli Stadium to NHS midwives, and Burton Albion Community Trust are helping vulnerable residents with food deliveries and offering their help as porters at Queen’s Hospital. Then there are our amazing voluntary services such as the Staffordshire Blood Bikes, working hard to make sure vital medical supplies are in the right place at the right time as well as numerous support groups that have been set up in local communities and on social media to support the elderly and vulnerable.
When this crisis is over let’s hope that it leaves behind a kinder, more compassionate society and a renewed faith in human nature, but until that time let’s all play our part by heeding the advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
