Weekly Round-up

On Wednesday of this week, as lockdown ended, London moved into Tier 2 of the Government’s national Covid-19 restrictions.  This means Londoners must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.  We are also unable to socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space.  The rules also have implications for business, with pubs and bars only able to operate if they are serving meals.

I recognise that these restrictions will be frustrating for constituents - especially those who will see their businesses suffer because of them.  It is particularly galling that the Government have as yet failed to provide any clear information about how areas will move up or down the tier system, - or indeed how they were classified in the first place - and have failed to provide any meaningful financial support to those businesses affected.  However, we have had positive news this week with the arrival of the first batches of the vaccination in the UK, and so I would ask all constituents to continue to work together to protect each other and keep the infection rate down.  There is light at the end of the tunnel - and if we keep sticking to the guidance and looking out for each other we can get through to the other side of this pandemic.

It’s been a week full of meetings for me! I was pleased to be able to meet with North Central London’s Clinical Commissioning Group to discuss issues facing constituents regarding access to primary care. Too many are finding it difficult to access local GP surgeries, with phone calls left unanswered, lengthy waiting times, issues with the e-Consult system, and prescriptions not issued on time. We also discussed the rollout of the flu vaccine, which this year will be especially important given the pandemic. It is really important that we ensure that everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine is aware of their eligibility and are able to access the vaccine in good time.

I've also met this week with officials from the Ministry for Justice with regards to the problems at Tottenham Park cemetery.  The meeting was hosted by Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece and Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton, attended alongside me.  I’ve spoken to a number of constituents who have laid loved ones to rest at Tottenham Park and are concerned that the owner continues to allow burials there, although there is no space left throughout the premises and despite the fact that no burials should have taken place this year.  A lack of proper regulation is putting bereaved families in difficult and upsetting situations at an already challenging time, and I’ll continue to echo these concerns to the Government until families are satisfied with the humane and proper management and maintenance of the cemetery.

I was pleased to meet with other members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Period Poverty this week where we discussed the amazing Scottish Labour campaign which has prompted the Scottish Government to provide free period products to those who need them. Period poverty is widespread across the world, but I think many people would be surprised to hear about how many women and girls in the UK still also lack access to pads and tampons. In 2019 the UK Government committed to funding period products in all schools and colleges in England, however, many schools have yet to sign up and there are further hurdles to overcome. All women and girls should have access to the necessary products and shouldn’t have the added worry of being able to afford them. Particularly for younger girls who are dealing with this new aspect of their lives – we should be doing all we can to support them.

As a member of the Environmental Audit Committee, I was able to question some experts on the Government’s plans for a green Covid recovery this week. We are worried that the Government’s plans fall far short of what is needed. Their plans to invest billions into road building are contrary to their commitments to net zero, and without adequate investment in public transport to ensure that routes are frequent and affordable so that more people will get out of their cars and onto public transport. In the Government’s levelling up plans, we also need to ensure that houses across the country are insulated and new homes are energy efficient to lower our carbon footprint and help people by lowering their bills.  This is something the EAC will continue to pursue. 

I was absolutely delighted to attend the socially-distanced official opening of the new Zebras Hub, the charity’s first premises in Enfield North. The Zebras charity are fantastic – they were founded in 2015 and work with the disabled community to help with issues such as finding suitable employment opportunities and accessing recreational and emotional support. Their work to support, empower, and help people achieve their personal goals is inspiring, and the opening was a real highlight of my week. 

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday and I want to encourage all constituents to show their support for our small businesses this winter. Our small business owners have had such a tough year, but they are truly the backbone of our local communities and local economies. They support jobs, they provide the products and services we need, and they bring people onto our high streets. We have some great small businesses in Enfield North and I really hope that we can support them during this tough time so that they are still there when the pandemic is over. 

My telephone surgery sessions are continuing, and if you would like to book an appointment, please do contact my team to arrange this.  Although my office is closed to the public in line with Government guidelines, my team and I are working hard from home so please do get in touch on feryal.clark.mp@parliament.uk if there is anything we can help you with. Remember –stay safe, save lives – maintain social distancing and keep washing your hands!