LISA NANDY - A devastating time for so many

I have been pressing hard for better protective equipment for key workers. Although the national headlines are rightly dominated by the need for masks, gloves, gowns and aprons in the NHS, here in Wigan there are still huge problems for social carers and people in the many workplaces that are still operating, including factories, public transport, warehouses, supermarkets and food manufacturing companies.

The government has accepted more must be done but this is urgent and so we are keeping up the pressure.

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on older people and we are working hard locally and nationally to ensure there is proper support.

Wigan Council has been working tirelessly to get help to people who need it, especially those who can’t shop or access medicine themselves, and our local charities have stepped up to support those who are finding this a lonely and difficult time.

I have also been pressing the government to urgently put in place better measures to protect people in care homes.

The government has announced a number of schemes to protect workers from unemployment and protect businesses from closure, but there are still huge gaps in provision and many small businesses have struggled to get the help they need. I have been working with government departments to ensure these problems are raised and addressed and we will continue to do this.

Far too many people are just being asked to survive on statutory sick pay or universal credit which has had a huge number of new applicants and needs more resource quickly.

I have also been alerted to a number of local businesses who are not complying with government rules, failing to put in place measures to enable home working and not enforcing social distancing rules.

Currently the government is relying on companies to do the right thing and I have been pressing them to take a much more proactive stance to keep our workforce safe and ensure action is taken against companies who don’t.

I have also been working in my new role as the shadow foreign secretary to support thousands of British people, including many from Wigan, who have been stranded abroad. Many are struggling to find accommodation, and some are running out of money and medicine.

I am working with MPs and ministers to ensure every British citizen returns home safely.

The world must also come together to ensure we tackle this global crisis and I am playing my part in ensuring this happens.

Finally can I thank the many people who have wished me well over recent months during the Labour leadership contest.

The warmth and level of support has been humbling. It has been the privilege on my life to represent Wigan for the last decade and to give our town a national voice.

In these very difficult times, if you need help please ask. In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.