Weekly Update – 24 April 2020

This was a historic week for Parliament. For the first time we have parliament operated semi-virtually – with MPs asking questions and making statements via webcams. This means I will be able to perform my role as MP for Edmonton from home, participating in proceedings virtually alongside my colleagues. This is a vital and welcome step. During a crisis such as this, it is even more important than normal that Parliament continues to hold Government to account.

NHS 111 isn’t coping with COVID-19

This week I wrote an article in the Guardian highlighting my concern with the NHS 111 Service. In January I put forward a private members’ bill to legislate for better training and clinical oversight in the 111 call centres. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, I’m even more concerned about the underlying issues with NHS 111 and its inability to cope as our first line of defence against COVID-19. My bill could get its second reading in the Autumn and would be the perfect opportunity for the Government to invest in NHS 111 and create a first-class non-emergency health service.

COVID-19 Testing in Enfield 

I met with the Council this week for a regular briefing on their COVID-19 response and was pleased they have managed to secure a dedicated local testing facility for front-line care sector workers. After months of delay from the Government in which Enfield had only been offered 10 tests for 5,500 workers it is a relief that progress is finally being made. However, there is far more the Government needs to do. Mass-testing and contact mapping will be essential moving forward.

Detention Centres must close

The COVID-19 Pandemic and our NHS’s brave fightback against it, has brought into sharp focus the unjust nature of our immigration system. Despite the lockdown, the Conservatives Hostile Environment is in fall operation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Yarl’s Wood and Brook House immigration detention centres where people are imprisoned like criminals despite, in the majority of cases, having committed no offence. The operation of these centres has always been immoral. During a pandemic, it is outright dangerous and quite possibly unlawful. That is why I wrote to the Home Secretary this week calling on the detainees to be released as a matter of urgency.

Stop & Search mistakes must not be repeated

A joined with other MPs this week to call on the Home Secretary to ensure that the use of emergency powers does not result in BAME individuals being unfairly targeted. While the emergency powers are necessary, we have unfortunately seen that in some instances police have overstepped the mark when enforcing them. Moving forward the use of these powers to enforce the lockdown must be as transparent and accountable as possible. The Home Secretary must release details about how these powers are being used and what groups are more likely to be targeted. The powers may be necessary, but they must be applied fairly.

Government COVID-19 support doesn’t go far enough

Every single day I get emails from constituents who are unable to access or, do not qualify for, the support promised by Government during lockdown. From the self-employed to small business owners it is clear that the package of financial help laid out by the Chancellor is full of holes. I know from first-hand accounts the terrible impact this is having on many of my constituents. The Government needs to do better. Most people cannot afford to wait months for support. I will always do what I can to support and help every individual who approaches my office, but I will also continue to call on the Government to do more. Nobody should face eviction or lose their job as a result of Government delays.

Kind regards

Kate Osamor