My article in this week's Wakefield Express can be found below:
In a previous article for the Wakefield Express, I commented that I sometimes avoid writing time sensitive statistics as I do not want them to be out of date by the time you read them, however I did so because I felt it would highlight just how quickly the UK is making progress in the fight against COVID-19.
At the time we had just hit 6 million jabs administered into the arms of our elderly residents, now I am pleased to say over 30 Million people in the United Kingdom have received their first dose, which gives the bulk of protection, and 3.2 Million have had their second dose.
The huge success of the British vaccine program has become the envy of many countries around the world and will, I am sure, enable us to leave lockdown once and for all. This vaccine progress has brought elation and hope to many people and I have been pleased that so many residents have taken the time to proudly let me know when they got their jab.
This rapid roll out has brought us real world results, we have seen much joy this week with the latest step in the Government’s roadmap to freedom. I know residents have felt relief at being able to meet outdoors, in the rule of 6, with family and friends.
As we look forward to April 12th, where more retail, hospitality, and other businesses can reopen, at least in some form, we must remember how difficult this period has been for our local businesses. I gained over 18 years’ experience in retail before becoming an MP, so with this background, and from the regular conversations I have with our local businesses, know how tough this time has been.
It’s vital that the voices of our small and medium sized businesses are heard, so I was delighted to take up a voluntary position on the advisory board of the Independent Business Network (IBN). Alongside prominent businessman and former Yorkshire MEP John Longworth and others, we are driven by our commitment to ensuring our businesses get the best environment to thrive.
Brexit has provided businesses with a fantastic opportunity to export more and to do so on a longer term basis. Whilst I already have hosted webinars planned alongside the Department for International Trade which will support local businesses in our area to export more, and to new nations, I also look forward to supporting a range of other businesses in my role with the IBN, so that they too can fully utilise the benefits that Brexit brings.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy Easter period, I hope that with the relaxed restrictions you are able to see friends and family in a safe way over the bank holiday weekend and enjoy a restful moment.
As always, should you need my help with anything that you feel I could be of assistance with please do not hesitate to contact me via email: Andrea.Jenkyns.MP@Parliament.UK. Please include your full name and address and I will always do my upmost to help you.
