We are in a waiting game. We are waiting for this wretched virus’ infections to peak and then start to diminish. Like other infections in the end it will disappear but how far we are from the end is anyone’s guess.
In the meantime, the vast majority of people, like me, have to remain in their homes, discouraged from going out except for essential trips. We have never had such a situation before and it is intensely frustrating because there is absolutely nothing we can do to combat the situation – apart, of course, from obeying the rules.
Whilst those of us sit at home though, large numbers of fellow citizens are out either dealing with those sick or keeping the basic requirements of society going. I applauded all of them for that at the entrance of my house, last night at 8 pm. I could see many others along my road doing the same. After a while we waved at one another and went back inside.
My personal lock-down has only been just over two weeks long and it is very difficult. Like so many other people I really want to do something more to try and fight coronavirus. Failing that I want to help the vulnerable and isolated. But, despite my willingness to run around, check on people and get them groceries et cetera. I volunteered to do that of course. But those that are doing sterling work organising such things would prefer I didn’t because I am now on the borderline age of especial risk and, I am told, Bromley has more than enough volunteers (3,600+). So, I stay at home and do what I’m told - albeit with some reluctance!
But I still have a considerable job to do from home. As an MP my e mail in-box is never empty and I am getting far more e mails than normal. Unsurprisingly the vast majority are as a direct result of coronavirus.
Not only are people worried about catching the virus but so many are doubly worried about keeping their jobs. The Government has tried its hardest to protect the permanently employed and self-employed but there are many who still slip through the gaps. I have tried to highlight their plight to Treasury ministers by both e mail and letter.
Many people need assistance because they cannot leave their homes. I tell them the best way to get help is via the Bromley Council website (www: bromley.gov.uk). Once on the site people should:
• Click on COV-19 Latest Information
• Under Council Updates click on Volunteers and Requests for Assistance
• Click on Request Assistance
• Fill in form and send back to them.
Other people have ideas about how to deal with the virus. One constituent e mailed me and suggested we should increase the amount payable by customers contactless at supermarkets. I fed that in to a Health Minister and it has happened; we can now pay for £45 rather than £30 of groceries without touching any buttons. The Minister has come back to me and said the idea worked. So, well done him!
I am afraid there are still quite a few constituents still stuck abroad and we have not been able to get them home as yet. From my contacts with the Foreign Office this is far more complicated than it may seem. To get just one flight into and out of a far-away country involves many more things than simply organising an aircraft and crew to fly there and back.
For example I will mention a few normal problems I can thin of; overflying other countries, getting especial permission to land and take-off when countries don’t allow flying, air traffic control systems not operating, airport staff not working, experts checking the safety of aircraft before flying again after landing, refuelling when bowsers are not working, bringing in local staff to check passengers through, customs checks, accommodation for the aircrew overnight (normally), contacting British citizens when they are in very remote areas and getting them to the airport when there is no public transport. I am sure there are many more matters than those but they are the ones that come first to my mind. All I can do is make sure the Foreign Office know about constituents who are stuck and encouraging our diplomats to keep trying to get them out. I have no power to send out aircraft myself even if I wish I could.