As some of you will already know if you follow me on Facebook, or read my weekly column in the Sevenoaks Chronicle, this month I tested positive for Covid. Thankfully I’ve had my three jabs, so symptoms were mild, but it has made me even more thankful for the phenomenal vaccination programme, which has undoubtedly saved countless lives and built a wall of defence which has allowed us to learn to live with Covid.
However, the virus has not gone away, and we must continue to top up protection for those most vulnerable so we can continue to go about our daily lives with confidence. Last week those in care homes, the over 75s, and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over begun receiving invitations to a Spring Booster. These will rightly provide a top up protection for those most at risk, and I urge anyone contacted by the NHS within these groupings to come forward for the jab – as well as those who may still need to receive their first or second vaccine. For the latest details on local vaccine providers please visit my website at https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/vaccine-update
Internationally, I know you will all be as devastated as I am to see the ongoing and tragic developments in Ukraine. I am immensely proud of our community which has been donating/collecting items to be sent to Ukraine. Stonepitts Farm recently put out a plea for goods - and were so overwhelmed with the generosity that they had to stop collections. Huge thanks go to Dan Clews and his family, Kate Edmondson, Sebastian Pennells and The Bootleg Altruist for all their hard work.
I have been working hard to help families here with visa's for their loved ones and the sponsorship route. I know there have been immense frustrations with the visa scheme, and I have, and will, continue to push Government to ensure that speed is of the essence. I am currently in conversations with Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council, our local churches, Care For Our Community Ukraine and Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees to ensure they all have all they need to play a critical role in the Home for Ukraine scheme. However, if you face any issues either signing up to the scheme or registering your interest with a local organisation, please do email me at [email protected].
Our country has a long and proud history of supporting the most vulnerable during their darkest hour. We are doing so again with Ukraine. Thank you for your support with this vital effort.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
To see Laura's newsletter in full click here
