As the country has opened up and Covid restrictions lifted, I’ve been very pleased to be able to visit some local schools again. The children of Ingatestone Juniors asked me some very perceptive questions when I visited – and it was good to catch up with the Brentwood County High School politics students too during their visit to Westminster last week. They even managed to bump into the Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, and had the chance to speak to one of my Private Secretaries who entered the Civil Service through the apprenticeship route. It was very pleasing to be able to show them first hand how my work as Minister for Skills could impact on their routes into work in the future.
Despite the relaxation of the myriad regulations and rules, Covid 19 is still with us and our local Clinical Commissioning Groups are doggedly keeping up the vaccination programme in order to keep people safe. Children aged from 5-11 are now able to receive a vaccination, with great effort going into putting children and parents at ease to make sure it is a positive experience for everyone. For the older members of the community, the second booster jab is now being rolled out and this will continue until everyone who wants this important protection has received it. If you are eligible, please do make sure you keep up with your vaccinations.
Amongst the other issues on my desk at the moment is visas for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Me and my team are working with colleagues and staff in the Home Office to link and progress the applications for visas for people to travel from Ukraine to Brentwood and Ongar through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. I understand how frustrating it is for those waiting for families to arrive, but please be assured that everything possible is being done to ensure safe passage for all those who need to come here – and that the wait will be well worth it.
