I am coming up to my fifth month as the elected Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales and it certainly has been a fast moving, rewarding and challenging time.
Being first elected and finding my feet as a new MP at a time of such national significance and turmoil is not something I or anyone could have envisaged, but nonetheless, my new colleagues and I are working as hard as we can, as is the nation. We MPs are but a small entity when it comes to what those in the NHS, supermarkets, care homes and critical front-line services are doing for our country. I am so proud of each and every hero in my constituency and would like to take this opportunity to thank them all again if I may.
It is an incredible privilege to serve you. I am incredibly grateful that you put your trust in me and there is not a moment that goes by that I am not working for the people of Derbyshire Dales, who are always right at the forefront of my mind.
In finding ourselves in this unprecedented time, at this juncture facing the reality of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen some astounding statistics. 165,000 cases confirmed in the UK, 3.21 million cases globally, with around 210 countries reporting cases and Europe now the epicentre of the virus. I know first-hand how horrible this virus can be and thankfully I have now recovered. I am just but one of these millions of cases, and do not see myself as any more than that in terms of this horrible disease that has crossed the globe right into the heart of our communities, affecting so many of us. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by coronavirus and to their friends, family and loved ones. This crisis, this national emergency, is all about my constituents worries and anxieties – this is what keeps me awake at night.
This crisis is about the hundreds of parents who have contacted me, worried about their children at this time, those grieving in isolation for their loved ones unable to attend their funerals, those walking into ICU wards day in day out to save lives, those facing financial hardship, patients in hospices with terminal cancer unable to see their families, the hospital cleaner who has just lost their closest work colleague and friend, and the children and family of that human being that have been left behind. This is to name but just a few. There are millions of heroes in this country making us all so proud to be British.
My team and I have personally responded to well over 1000 cases for incredibly vulnerable constituents and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made in making sure that PPE is available in Derbyshire across our critical front line services, the astounding measures the government have implemented for individuals and businesses, and that those constituents stuck abroad can return home, however there is more to do. I am continually in touch with Ministers, officials, the Police, our local councils and most importantly individuals to hear, raise and represent concerns to the highest level addressing and helping with them to the very best of my ability.
I have been raising this issue of the reduction in revenue for dairy farmers to the highest possible level with talks with the Secretary of State for the Environment and the President of the NFU and will continue to do so, until we find a way to help.
The tourism business in Derbyshire is vital. I am a fierce champion of our area. I love that people want to come to Derbyshire for their holidays, but currently this isn’t possible. I have been moved by many conversations I have had with business owners and those that work in this sector, and I am in constant contact with stakeholders and Government to address the potentially disastrous impact this virus will have on this important industry in our area. I am listening to your concerns and I promise you I am doing all I can to help. I am focusing on both the short- and long-term picture and am as worried as you are.
I am incredibly supportive of our local Police and I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable. They are doing a wonderful job of keeping us safe locally and I am delighted that so many are following the government guidelines so diligently.
There are many unknowns at the moment, which can be incredibly worrying, but please do be reassured that the government and all those that work within it are doing all they can to make sure the country survives this crisis. I am incredibly proud of the government action, such as the help for businesses and for the self-employed, however there is no getting around the fact that this a difficult time for many. My message to you is that I am here to help. Please do contact me with your concerns and I will do all that is in my power help as your representative to the government.
This national issue has truly shown some of the most wonderful community spirit that I have ever seen. Whether that is the street celebration in Yeaveley (whilst following social distancing) for Mr Douglas Walls who turned 100 on the 29th April or the wonderful people at Coverall Gowns making laundry bags for care workers. Residents in all corners of the constituency have come together, collecting prescriptions and groceries, being a friendly voice at the end of a phone or clapping for the NHS every Thursday night at 8pm. I am incredibly moved by these actions and proud to represent such kind, resilient, constituents.
As we approach VE day and the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, we will look back to the hardship facing the country then, and our allied victory will give us hope. In the words of Her Majesty The Queen, we will be with our friends again, we will be with our family again; we will meet again.
All my very best to you and yours,
Sarah
