Weekly Update – 15^th May 2020

The Government’s handling of this crisis took a dangerous turn this week as they dropped the ‘stay at home’ message for a confusing set of conflicting rules and instructions which nobody, even the government, understands completely.

The consequences could be disastrous, and it will be those on the front line and BAME individuals who pay the price. The ‘back to work’ push should not be happening while we have failed to meet the Governments own key tests for easing restrictions. Doing so will cost lives and risk a second wave. That is why I joined others in signing Stand Up To Racism’s statement calling for a full independent public inquiry into disproportionate BAME deaths and no premature end to the lockdown.

We must continue to house rough sleepers

I’m deeply concerned about reports that the Government plans to end the policy of housing rough sleepers during this pandemic. Homelessness is not a fact of life – it is a political choice. The Government chose to end rough sleeping during this pandemic and that decision must not now be reversed. Forcing people back onto the street while this crisis is still raging would be irresponsible, cruel and a potential deaths sentence.

The Government needs to make it clear that Councils still have a duty to house rough sleepers and will be provided with the funds to do so for the duration of this pandemic. In return, Enfield Council needs to make it clear that nobody, including rough sleepers in Hotels, will be evicted. I’ve written to the Council asking for clarification on this issue urgently.

Small Business’s need more support

I’ve been contacted by a lot of constituents who are small business owners but as of yet have not been given the support their business will need to survive lockdown.

This is incredibly worrying; Edmonton is home to a great many innovative small businesses which contribute a huge amount to the local economy. But so far it appears that many are not being given access to the funds they need to come out the other side of this crisis. It would be a tragedy and leave lasting damage to Edmonton’s local economy if these businesses were to fold.

I’m doing my best to help individual cases but will also be looking to hold a virtual meeting with those affected. If you think that you fall into this category please do email me at edmontonconstituency@parliament.uk and I will do my best to help.

Agriculture Bill

Parliament debated the Agriculture Bill this week, an incredibly important bill which will set the standards in our food and animal welfare for decades to come. Although I wasn’t given an opportunity to speak I was proud to support amendments which, if passed, would have protected animal welfare and environmental standards in this country against post-Brexit trade deals.

Unfortunately, the Government won the votes but I will continue to campaign for stronger animal welfare, food and environmental standards.

Age UK Enfield

This week I had an inspiring meeting with Age UK Enfield CEO Ben Ingber, who talked to me about the amazing work Age UK have been doing in Edmonton.

They have been at the heart of the response to COVID-19 in Edmonton, delivering emergency food parcels, medicines and other essentials as well as providing care and advice. I will be taking part in some of their hot-food deliveries and look forward to meeting some of those involved.

As with all charities, they are struggling to fund the work they do in the current climate, so if you would like to donate you can do so here.

British Airways

This week I joined other MPs in writing to the British Airways, calling on them to reverse their decision to make thousands of their staff redundant without consulting either the staff or unions. Redundancies on such a scale should never happen without discussions taking place with unions and at a time when the Government furlough the scheme is still available to BA, they are not necessary.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email edmontonconstituent@parliament.uk. I’m always happy to help whenever possible.

Kind regards,

Kate