On Tuesday, we marked a year to the day since the first national ‘lockdown’ with a ‘Day of Reflection’, to remember those who’ve lost their lives to Covid-19, as well as those who’ve lost loved ones and been impacted by this terrible pandemic. It was important to take a moment to pause, reflect and remember. Meanwhile, please remember that reaching out to those around you who are struggling and feeling hopeless in these tough times can make the world of difference.
I was so moved watching Roman Kemp’s recent documentary on young male suicide, and the devastating impact it has on families and friends. The key message was to ask twice if somebody is ok. I know we all do this, but are we actually checking in properly? Please remember to ask twice, as the documentary highlighted, as it really helps people open up. This year, for so many, has been the most challenging, and CALM is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide. To reach them for support, or to help support someone else, go to www.thecalmzone.net
Looking forwards, and to the prospect of better days ahead, we set a new national vaccine record over the weekend, with DHSC confirming an incredible 873,784 vaccinations were registered on Saturday. This helped boost our overall number of people vaccinated to over 28 million people – well over half of the UK’s adult population! With our wonderful local vaccine sites at Clair Hall and East Court continuing to vaccinate thousands across Sussex. We’re well on track to offer every adult in the top 9 priority groups the jab before mid-April, and all other adults by July.
I was privileged, meanwhile, to visit Brighton’s mass vaccination centre where many Mid Sussex residents have been for jabs, with my colleague Tim Loughton MP, alongside the Chief Executive of Sussex CCG, Siobhan Melia, to see for ourselves the incredible, relentless operation taking place, proving why our roll-out is breaking records. Huge thank you to the staff and volunteers working at the site (many of whom are from the airline industry) and everyone who’s come in to receive their jab – including the 2,500 who were vaccinated on the day we visited!
Last week, the PM set out the conclusions of the Integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, which outlines our new vision for the UK’s role in the world. This Review sets out our updated global aspirations, regarding national security, and how international policy on this subject will look over the next few years. We want to ensure all Government departments and resources work in unison, coordinated by enhanced strategic capabilities to achieve our goals at home and overseas. For more info visit: https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/news/government-announces-integrated-review-conclusion