I was hoping my first newsletter would be in happier circumstances, however given recent developments I thought it best to use this opportunity to update you on what I have been doing to ensure the response to COVID-19 across Sevenoaks and Swanley is coordinated. I understand this is a hugely worrying and uncertain time for everyone, but my focus is on supporting local families, businesses and public services.
All my thoughts go out to those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and their loved ones. I would also like to thank everyone across our amazing NHS who continue to go above and beyond to battle this pandemic as effectively as possible.
This virus will be defeated, but the coming months are going to be tough. I have already been heartened and impressed by the response locally. With courage, compassion and community spirit we will get through this outbreak.
At this time of national emergency: stay home, protect our NHS and save lives.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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Below is a snapshot of what we have been working on. If there is anything, I can do to support you, please get in touch.
- Created a designated COVID-19 advice page on my website to help signpost both the latest Government and NHS guidance, as well as links to programmes being run by Sevenoaks District and Kent County Council. This covers everything from schools and education, housing, travel and volunteering.
If you haven't already do please visit and share:https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/covid-19-advice-constituents
- Written to every parish and town council setting out my role and where I am able to help. I am liaising on a regular basis with Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council, who are both doing an amazing job in incredibly difficult circumstances, and have kept in close contact with many local organisations including: local food banks, supermarket managers, the CEOs of the major hospitals, Age UK, various care homes, businesses, and farmers.
- Voiced the views of many self-employed constituents in Westminster, and am delighted that the world-leading support being provided to business has now been extended through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
- Used my role as a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee to address the issue of personal protective equipment for GPs in the constituency, which I have been discussing with local clinicians including the team at The Amherst Medical Practice, Sevenoaks and the Sevenoaks Primary Care Network.
- Raised the cases of constituents who have been unable to return home (since the borders have closed) with the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons and written to the department to ensure we get them home as soon as possible.
- Promoted the local volunteering effort being run by Sevenoaks District Council, who have now secured more than 1000 volunteers across the district to help support those most vulnerable. Over the coming weeks I will also be joining this effort in helping distribute food parcels and supplies. If you are interested in getting involved, please register here.
- Appeared across national and regional media, commenting on the Government's response. Recent interviews have included Sky News, South East Politics Live, LBC, 5Live, and Radio Kent.
- Written a column for the Sevenoaks Chronicle, and a leaflet delivered to residents by Swanley Town Council urging all constituents to stay home, protect our NHS and save lives. This week I will also be sending out a leaflet to all residents across the constituency with guidance and signposting to local information.
- And finally, before the Government guidance changed, held a supermarket surgery in Tesco Riverhead to meet constituents and listen to their concerns and questions. Once the current advice is lifted these will resume - with our next planned visit to be to Asda in Swanley.
To view my newsletter online please visit: https://mailchi.mp/e6adb8e15868/monthly-newsletter-march-2020
You can also sign up to receive my newsletter on my homepage: https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/
