“Last week, building on the great progress made on vaccinations, including the extra second doses deployed in the last month, step 4 on the roadmap to recovery came into effect with a majority of the coronavirus restrictions coming to an end. We know that this delta variant is more transmissible but the vaccine in most cases is defeating the virus and hospitalisation is significantly reduced. We should though take it steady. While a lot of the legal restrictions will come to an end, I think people will have developed a lot of good habits that will endure and will be situation specific. On a crowded train, I will probably put a mask on. Going into a pub, I would be happy to not have to book way ahead and be able to order a drink at the bar, though table service has been a blessing. In my time as a Suffolk MP, I have found that folk have usually got the balance right and are sensitive to their neighbours and communities. It is that personal responsibility that we must all take on as we learn to live with Covid. I want to reiterate my huge thanks to all those who have helped make the vaccination programme a huge success. Even now though, there are some people who think they don’t need to get the jab. Please do step forward, so we don’t end up stepping backwards.
With less than 100 days until the COP26 global climate conference takes place here in the UK, I was delighted to attend the launch of Katch Taxis. A new on-demand electric transport service for passengers travelling between the train station in Campsea Ashe and Wickham Market. The service is available seven days a week and can be booked via the Katch App. My thanks to Cllr Alexander Nicoll who has done a fantastic job in pulling this entire project together. It’s great news that we’ve now got this new facility, not only for local people, but to welcome visitors from other parts of the UK to this very special part of the country.
Finally, before they broke up for the summer holiday, I wrote to every school in Suffolk Coastal advertising the Our Planet Schools Pack, encouraging them to get involved and engage in conversations with pupils about tackling climate change. There’ll also be a virtual Children’s Parliament taking place on the eve of the COP26 summit with 650 primary school pupils representing each constituency in the UK. Debating their views. If your son or daughter wishes to represent Suffolk Coastal then please email me at [email protected].”