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News bulletin from Bim Afolami MP #3
Tuesday 10 March 2020
Last week I:
- Asked the Secretary of State for BEIS to confirm his support and potentially come and see the work we are doing at the Rothamsted Research Institute. He commends the work we are doing to build agritech venture capitalist funds at Rothamsted and was keen to offer the Government's support.
- As Chairman of the APPG for Renewable and Sustainable Energy (PRASEG) and passionate advocate of net zero, I attended the launch of the Taskforce's new report outlining how hydrogen can play a key role in the transformation of the UK's energy system to net zero carbon.
- Met with local resident Whitney to see how I could support her in encouraging Hertfordshire County Council Highways to take further measures to eliminate dangerous driving on Redbourn Road (A5183). I would be grateful if you could take a few moments to complete the petition to join me in offering support for this cause and to help put in place the vital safety improvements required to make this road safer.
- Attended the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) support group for discussion about how to reduce levels of absolute poverty in the United Kingdom.
- Welcomed local resident Sam Smith to Parliament for a meeting with Kit Malthouse, the Minister for Crime and Policing. Sam is advocating for improved mental health services in the police force.
- Met with a constituent to discuss Harpenden MENCAP and what I can do to support this great charity.
- Spoke to constituents on the phone to discuss pressing local matters.
- Joined a COP26 teleconference with various Parliamentary stakeholders who share an interest in COP26 to discuss decarbonisation.
- Met for a coffee with a constituent to discuss the IR35 loan charges.
- Was joined by a constituent for work experience in my parliamentary office.
- Attended a breakfast meeting held by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss infrastructure ahead of the budget tomorrow.
- Visited the British Library on World Book Day to discuss my Private Members' Bill. Whilst I was there, they were kind enough to show me their exhibition of political papers. This included letters between Arthur Balfour and Winston Churchill in 1904 (bottom right picture).
*COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update*
As of 9.00am on 09/03/20 there have been 13 cases of Coronavirus confirmed in Hertfordshire.
I have been informed that there is a temporary drive through service on the Harpenden Memorial Hospital site for testing people who may have Coronavirus.
It is important to note that this is NOT a drop-in-centre and only those who meet the nationally agreed criteria for a suspected case will be asked to attend and given an appointment for the test.
We are still in the ‘contain’ stage of the Government’s 4 stage contingency plan. I reiterate that our services have planned for and are ready for this situation but in order to contain this, it is important to take good hygiene precautions and follow NHS advice – if you think you have coronavirus call 111, do NOT go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
I hope that you found this information useful. I will continue to provide updates via my social media and weekly newsletters.
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