Kate Osamor MP
Happy New Year to everyone across Edmonton
I hope that everyone across Edmonton had the best Christmas they could possibly have under difficult circumstances. I know that for many people this year a ‘normal’ Christmas simply wasn’t possible, with many spending the day in Isolation or otherwise separate from loved ones. As we all celebrate the start of a New Year this evening, I’ll be reflecting on a difficult year gone and the challenges to come. In the second year of the pandemic, Covid-19 continued to drastically impact our everyday lives and the new ‘normal’ continued to feel anything but normal. Meanwhile, key workers, those that we depend on to keep us safe, healthy and keep the country running continued to put themselves in harm’s way despite little to no support from the Government.
Almost unbelievably It’s now been two years since the General Election. The Government will call another election at any time in the next three years which means it’s time for the Labour Party to start preparing for that eventuality. That’s why sitting Labour MPs across the country, like myself are being asked if we’d like to stand for re-election. I will once again be standing as a candidate at the next general election, whenever that occurs. It has been the privilege of my life to represent Edmonton since 2015. Through a turbulent 6 years in which the UK left the EU and entered a pandemic,
I’ve always spoken out for the interests of ordinary people across Edmonton. But throughout that time, it has always been a Conservative Government calling the shots and imposing cuts and chaos on our community. That needs to change, and I’m determined to be here to see that change through. I’ll be staying to fight for a Labour Government that delivers real and long-lasting change for Edmonton and the Country.
Government must back our NHS heroes
As with every other wave of this pandemic, the Government is failing to support the NHS workers who are keeping us safe. The rapid increases in cases we’ve seen over the last few weeks were predicted ahead of time and yet the Government has failed to secure the rapid tests NHS staff so badly need. That’s why I’m backing calls for the Health Secretary to step up and prioritise healthcare workers.
In practice, this means putting key workers in front of the queue when it comes to testing and vaccinations. There is a serious staffing shortage across the NHS and it’s largely due to a lack of testing. It’s entirely within the Government’s power to resolve that, but to do so they need to act quickly and focus resources where they are most needed. Given the huge sacrifices that NHS workers have made throughout this pandemic that’s the least we owe them. The Government clapped for key workers and is always quick to praise their heroism but the time for words is passed, now we need action.
Edmonton Covid Update
Across Edmonton, the Covid-19 infection rate has been increasing significantly over the last week. In Ponders End cases went up 25%. That number in Edmonton North was 32% and in Edmonton Green cases went up 92%. Meanwhile across London cases have continued to increase at an equally startling rate. Yesterday 24,320 people tested positive in London while the number of Covid-19 patients in London hospitals has risen to 3,477 from just above 2,000 a week ago. While cases across Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland (all of whom have brought in new restrictions) have started to go down, cases across England continue to rise.
Thankfully it does appear likely that the Omicron strain may be milder than previous variants. Deaths are not increasing even as the new variant has come to quickly dominate across the country. However, the consequences of an out of control pandemic in which cases continue to increase could nevertheless be severe. With so many people off sick, staff shortages are already having an economic impact and Long Covid will leave many across the country with a life-changing illness.
The Government appears frozen by indecision but that must now end. Action is needed urgently. The Chancellor must come to Parliament as soon as possible and announce a new package of economic support for workers, employees and small businesses. New measures must be introduced to support those who are isolating or long-term sick, including an increase in sick pay and disability benefits. The Government also needs to consider introducing further restrictions if that is the advice of their own experts.
But just because the Government is frozen it doesn’t mean we need to be. As ever it’s essential that we all follow the expert advice to keep ourselves safe and protect our NHS;
- Get vaccinated.
- Wear a face covering.
- Work from home.
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors.
- Get tested and self-isolate when required
Help is available
A Tory cost of living crisis is impacting families across Edmonton this winter and with the Government appearing unwilling to support those who need it, it’s unclear when those difficulties will end. Rising Inflation, rising bills, stagnant wages and cuts to benefits have left many choosing between eating and heating.
An entirely unnecessary crisis in one of the wealthiest countries on Earth, caused by the corrupt elite currently in Government. But there is help available for those who need it in Edmonton and below you will find just a few of the different options available to those who need some assistance this winter;
If you are homeless or about to be made homeless:
- Crisis at Christmas (0300 636 197) email: london@crisis.org.uk
- StreetLink : org.uk/ 0300 500 0914
Shelter : 0300 330 1234
St Mungos : 0203 3856 6000
If you are struggling with your mental health need someone to talk to:
Samaritans 116 123
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
Young Minds: 0800 018 2138
Or text SHOUT to 85258
Help with Food
Citizens Advice Enfield – 300 330 1167
Age UK Enfield – 020 8375 4120
Domestic violence helpline – 0800 923 9009
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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 edmontonconstituency@parliament.uk. I’m always happy to help whenever possible.
Kind regards,
Kate Osamor MP