Community Testing Now Available In Maldon District
Constituents who live in Maldon District and who may not be showing Covid symptoms are now able to take a Covid test as part of a joint programme with Essex County Council and the Department for Health and Social Care. Constituents can collect Covid test kits from Maldon Town Hall and carry out the swabbing […]
New Trains for the New Year
There was good news for the constituency’s commuters with the announcement that Greater Anglia has begun to operate their new rolling stock along the Southminster line. The state-of-the-art Class 720 AVENTRA Bombardier trains will have more seats, air conditioning, fast free Wi-Fi, plug and USB points, much improved accessibility and dedicated cycle storage places. The new trains also have […]
Local Vaccination Update
I have been recently contacted by constituents who are understandably eager to receive the Covid vaccine. As of writing this newsletter, there are 15 live sites across the Mid and South Essex area proving the vaccine to front line heathcare staff, care home staff and residents, and constituents aged over 80. Due to the complexities caused […]
Essex Re-enters Lockdown
I fully understand that the announcement of a further national lockdown from today is another bitter blow for many who have already endured months of restrictions causing separation from family and friends, loss of income and cancellation of plans. In particular, I recognise that the return to remote learning for those in education will be […]
Tier 4 Statement
I know how distressing it was for people in Maldon and Chelmsford to hear that new Tier 4 restrictions were being imposed on London and the Home Counties from Sunday morning. In addition, the withdrawal of the five day relaxation for Christmas is another huge blow to families, many of whom have already been unable […]
John Interviewed on the Future of UK Media
John was recently interviewed by Amal Rajan at the Radio Academy Festival for the BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show. In a wide-ranging interview, John was asked about his thoughts on the future of public broadcasting and the licence fee, the growing influence of podcasts and the role of big tech platforms in British media. […]
Regional Test Site Opens in Sandon
John was delighted to learn this week that the Department for Health and Social Care are to open an NHS Regional Test Site in December at Sandon Park and Ride as part of its Test and Trace service. The site is a drive-through site and will offer both assisted and self-administered tests. Welcoming the news, John commented “NHS […]
Maldon Moves Into Tier 3
The decision to place most of Essex in Tier 3 is a huge disappointment but sadly was unavoidable. All of us had hoped that when our Tier 2 status was due to be reviewed on 16th December, it would be possible to relax the restrictions. However, the figures that I saw at an emergency meeting […]
Many Happy (Rovers) Returns!
As part of his ministerial duties, John responded on behalf of the government to a recent adjournment debate in the House of Commons to mark the 60th birthday of the nation’s favourite soap opera, Coronation Street. Click here to see the speech. Happy birthday, Corrie!
December Covid Update
I have been contacted by a large number of constituents about the change in lockdown arrangements after 2 December. Many are understandably concerned about what the new tier system will mean for their business or if they will now be able to visit a loved one at a care home, whilst some remain sceptical about the need for […]