We enter 2021 having secured the political and economic independence of the United Kingdom, delivering on what we were asked to do as a result of both the 2016 referendum and the 2019 general election.
The deal with the European Union enables us to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries – and it ends any role for the European Court of Justice. As of now, we are ‘Global Britain’, striking trade deals with new markets, and reasserting ourselves as a liberal and free trading nation.
I have no doubt that here in the Brentwood and Ongar constituency, we will embrace the challenge of finding new trading opportunities even at a difficult time, and new businesses and entrepreneurs will thrive while established firms will grow and expand.
The major challenge as we enter a new year is, of course, the resurgence of the virus and its new highly infectious strain. The return of local children to school has been delayed for a couple of weeks to try to reduce the spread. I know school staff are concerned about their exposure to the virus, and I have recommended that vaccinations for those who work in schools are offered as soon as supplies are available. There are obviously pressures to vaccinate frontline health workers, social workers and care home staff first, but I hope school workers can receive their shots soon.
The mass vaccination programme is gearing up, with GP surgeries leading the charge as they call up their patient lists to attend appointments. I’m getting quite a few emails from people who have not been called up yet – it may take some time, but if you are registered with a GP you will be contacted. You can find details of the programme here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination
Finally, I am extremely grateful to the Brentwood and Epping Policing Team, and Brentwood Borough Council enforcement officers for the work they did on New Year’s Eve to disperse thoughtless revellers from All Saints Church in East Horndon and Wates Way Industrial Park. We have some of the highest rates of Covid in the country and such thoughtless activity will unquestionably our lives at risk. The vandalism of the church by party-goers was also completely unforgivable - I have great admiration for the team of volunteers who have raised money so swiftly to make good some of the worst damage.
