We have made some great steps forward in the vaccination programme this week. We saw the fantastic announcement that we met our target and have now offered vaccines to every eligible care home in England. And the number of people receiving vaccines has just kept on rising from 10 million earlier in the week to over £12 million as I write this update. We also had the news that the Oxford vaccine is effective against the ‘Kent’ coronavirus strain circulating in the UK. So, it has been a really positive week on the vaccination front.
There was sad news this week at the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moor and I joined with many in celebrating and remembering the life and achievements of this true British hero who became for may the embodiment of our battle against covid. He was a real inspiration to us all and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
This week has been Children’s Mental Health Week. The past 12 months has been an increasingly difficult time for everyone, but children and young people have been particularly affected. I shared various links on my website about where both children or parents, carers and teachers can go is they need help and advice - Remember it is always okay to ask for help. https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/childrens-mental-health-week?fbclid=IwAR2axOmWn1Zk_16vMiHPPUqFtHkmo89is_StbUa7cnfaZkA8-dldDiRWBnQ
Schools and colleges in the constituency have had a real boost this week, firstly with news of a new and extremely popular new T-Level course in Laboratory Sciences at Hopwood Hall College. Then on Friday, we had the amazing news that Newhouse Academy in Heywood has been selected as one of the first 50 schools in the UK to benefit from the Prime Ministers new school rebuilding programme. All of this is great news for students in the constituency who will have more access to state-of-the-art facilities to help them achieve more and better equip them for future successes.
I was also really pleased to see that the Government’s Culture Recovery fund will be providing £15,000 for essential works on the Edgar Wood-designed Long Street Methodist Church in Middleton.
This week I spoke in the Chamber about an issue that is incredibly important, especially in this constituency. I spoke about the evil of child abuse and sexual exploitation and how justice has to be seen to be done and the people who commit these heinous acts and rob young people of their childhoods should be removed from decent society, including those who would abuse the courts to try and frustrate deportation orders and other sanctions.
I welcomed the Government’s National Vulnerability Action Plan and place-based strategies that respond to threats within communities. I paid tribute to whistleblowers and others who have dedicated so much of themselves to tackling this hateful behaviour. I stand with them, fully committed to do whatever it takes to give justice to those so badly let down. See my speech here: https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/news/mp-says-we-have-lot-more-work-do-tackle-child-sexual-exploitation
I was also very pleased to be able to share details of new dedicated police officers for each of our wards with constituents this week. I hope that this new move from GMP to make officers familiar community faces and make them more easily contactable will be welcome news to many constituents. Find the details of your ward officers here: https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/news/dedicated-police-officers-heywood…
Some parents have been asking about holiday meals for children this week and I have been glad to confirm that The Government has already provided funds to Rochdale Borough Council to ensure that vouchers will be provided to all families with eligible children over the coming half term. A £20 voucher (per child) will be sent to all eligible households automatically so there is no need to contact your school.
In Westminster, we have seen the appointment of a new Commissioner to oversee the education catch-up programme. Many parents have asked me about this issue and I hope that they have found this firm commitment from the Government reassuring.
I had a meeting with members of the Link4Life Board to discuss the Cultural Assets Strategy for our area. I also got an update on progress on the Leisure / Culture Recovery Fund and Levelling Up for the Borough.
I was pleased to see an announcement on Monday regarding the additional £40 million that the Government will be providing to support victims of rape and domestic violence during the pandemic and beyond. This is such an important having supported local charities in our constituency I know the incredible work that they do to protect people when they are most vulnerable.
I rounded off this week with a very special evening watching the Alkrington Community Spirit Awards. I have been so privileged to have been involved in this event as one of the judges and I can say without a doubt that picking winners from the incredible nominees was no easy task. Everyone was so deserving, and we all felt that they were all winners. Congratulations to everyone. If you missed the awards you can find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/AlkringtonCSA
As ever, if there is anything that I can do to help you or there is any issue that you would like to raise with me please do get in touch with me via email at [email protected] or by calling my office on 01706 538 262.
