I hope everyone had a happy, peaceful and safe Easter
weekend at home. Despite the incredibly nice weather, it was great to hear that
our parks, beaches and roads were quiet – not something I never thought I’d
catch myself saying.
I was pleased to see our local Police force taking decisive
measures to stop people from out-of-county travelling down to Cornwall for the
holidays. A roadblock was placed on the A30 with officers stopping vehicles and
asking the purpose of people’s journeys – those who were not travelling for
essential reasons were respectfully, but rightly, asked to turn around. Myself
and my West Country MP colleagues had been calling for this kind of action after
many concerned constituents got in touch with their accounts of holiday makers,
second homeowners, and so-called celebrities, continuing to ignore explicit
Government advice and come to Cornwall.
I want to thank Devon and Cornwall Police for taking these
steps to protect Cornish lives. I also want to pay a tribute to those officers on
the frontline, putting themselves at risk to keep us all safe. The best way we
can all show our appreciation to them – and the incredible frontline health and
Social Care workers across Cornwall – is by continuing to stay at home unless
absolutely necessary.
One of the biggest stories of last week was on course the
news that the Prime Minster was taking into intensive care on Monday evening –
after I had written my column for last week’s paper. Like many of you, I was
pleased and relieved to see reports that his health was improving during the
week. Now more than ever as a country we need his strong leadership at the
heart of Government to see us through this crisis. Whilst it is important he
now takes the time he needs to fully recover and follow the medical advice of
his doctors, I am looking forward to seeing him back where he belongs, in No10
leading our fight against this virus, once he has fully recovered. He and his
partner Carrie continue to receive my best wishes and prayers.
At the time of writing it is unclear when the lockdown will
end. My hunch is that it will be extended for some time yet. We have always
been taking a scientific, data-led approach to this crisis and it is only right
that the lockdown ends when we know it is safe to do so. Ending it too early
will only increase the risk of overloading our NHS services and place more
people in danger. I know that many of you will be growing weary of being
inside, away from friends and loved ones, and the routine of normal life, but
if we do not stick to what the experts are telling us this crisis will only go
on for longer, with more lives lost.
So as we enter our fourth week of staying at home please continue
to think of our NHS and Social Care workers, Police Officers, council staff,
teachers, supermarket staff and everyone working around the clock to keep all
those in our community most vulnerable to this deadly virus safe. Show them
your respect again this week, not just by clapping on Thursday, but by staying
at home every day.
One of things I have been doing to continue to be available
to constituents is hosting a Facebook Live Q&A – this is an opportunity for
anyone to ask any questions they have about the situation we are in. The past
two have attracted thousands of viewers and I have had lots of positive
feedback. I will be hosting another session this Wednesday 15th
April at 7pm. Please just come to my Facebook page around that time if you want
to join in.
Although working from home, all my office staff and I
continue to be available to help in any way we can – whether that is providing
advice, answering any questions or helping you access the help and support that
is available. You can contact us on office@stevedouble.org.uk
or 01726 829379. I have also been posting regular updates on my Facebook page:
facebook.com/SteveDouble2015 or my website www.stevedouble.org.uk/covid19
