Since my election in 2015, I have been meticulous in addressing the thoughts and concerns of Fareham residents. I receive hundreds of letters and emails from constituents every week, and it is my continued pleasure to assist in any way that I can, whether clarifying government policy, raising your concerns with the relevant ministers or actively pursuing change within our community.
2021
In September we replied to over 355 policy emails and more than 60 casework enquires. Our responses overwhelmingly concerned funding for the NHS and its administration. As we build back from this pandemic, it is right and necessary that our health and care services are at the forefront. The Government's plans aim to tackle the backlog of patients through funding the biggest catch-up programme in the NHS’s history. Similarly, the Government has already committed to spending £2 billion this year to resolve this issue, and I am confident of the progress we are making to ensure that the NHS gets the funding it rightfully needs.
In July, we received a large volume of enquiries regarding our progression to Step Four of the Government’s Roadmap. While I am pleased that legal restrictions have now been lifted, it remains of paramount importance that we move forward in a confident but measured way. By staying at home when asked to self-isolate, seriously considering guidance and advice to reduce the risk of transmission, and getting both doses of the vaccine when offered, I am confident that we will be able to enjoy something near normality this summer
In June, we received a large volume of enquiries regarding the Government’s decision to delay our progress to Step 4 of the Roadmap on 21 June. While I know this may come as a source of disappointment, I do believe it is sensible that we wait a little longer, to give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get more people vaccinated. Indeed, by being cautious now, we have the chance to save thousands of lives by vaccinating millions more people.
In May, we received a large volume of enquiries about international travel. While travel abroad this past year has been difficult, the hard work and sacrifices of the British people have allowed us to make enormous progress in tackling this pandemic, making the first steps towards unlocking international travel possible. To ensure that this progress is not undermined, I welcome the new traffic light system – as outlined in the Prime Minister’s roadmap – which will protect the public and the vaccine rollout from COVID-19 variants of concern.
In April, we received a large volume of enquiries about the rollout of our world-leading vaccination programme. I am delighted that the Government reached, ahead of schedule, the goal of offering a vaccine to priority groups 1-9, by 15 April, and remains on track to offer first doses of the vaccine to all adults by the end of July. Rest assured I am keeping a close eye on deployment across Fareham, so if you have any concerns, please let me know and I will feed these back to Ministers.
In March, we answered over 350 emails, letters and other enquires. We received a large volume of enquiries regarding the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. As I said in the Portsmouth News this month, I am truly proud that the Government has taken this vital step forward in protecting women and girls by ending the halfway release of serious sexual offenders. I will continue to fight on this issue until every women in the country can walk safe without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
In February we received a large number of enquiries concerning the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown. Thanks to the hard work and incredible sacrifices of the British people and the unparalleled successes of our vaccination programme we can begin to open up schools from the 8th of March.
In January, we received a large volume of enquiries regarding the intricacies of the NHS’ vaccination programme. A Covid vaccine has now been offered to all older residents at eligible care homes in England, and nearly nine million people in the UK have had the first dose, which is a momentous achievement worth celebrating.
2020
In 2020 as a whole we answered over 23,000 emails, which compared to 2019, represents an increase of 5000. Additionally, 37 surgeries were attended by constituents with myself and my office helping 1,469 constituents via casework. Furthermore, we answered over 1,500 phone calls, helping many of you in Fareham with the problems posed by Covid-19.
In November, we received a large volume of enquiries regarding the Prime Minister’s ‘Ten Point Plan’ for a green revolution. The plan will mobilise £12 billion of Government investment to create and support 250,000 highly-skilled green jobs across the UK. It is expected to spur over three times as much private sector investment by 2030.
In October, we received a large volume of enquiries regarding the intricacies of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions. By providing greater clarity and reassurance on a range of important issues – including wedding arrangements and indoor sport – Fareham residents were equipped with the most succinct and up-to-date guidance.
In September, we answered over 700 emails, letters and other enquires while also writing to a relevant minister on 15 occasions. Foreign Policy was a top priority over September with many of you writing in about future trade bills. I am pleased that last month the UK and Japan agreed a historic and far reaching deal in record time and in challenging circumstances. The agreement goes far beyond the existing EU deal, as it secures new wins for British businesses in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.
In August, we answered over 750 emails, letters and other enquires while also writing to a relevant minister on 13 occasions. Environmental issues were a top priority this month, and I am delighted to learn that Natural England has since recorded the best year for hen harrier breeding in England since 2002. I am sure many constituents will share my overwhelming sense of optimism, as the Government’s landmark Environment Bill promises to deliver a truly green recovery, to help the country “build back greener”.