WOW! Emma Raducanu’s incredible, unprecedented journey through the US Open over the last 3 weeks has ended with her becoming the first qualifier in history to win a tennis major – at just 18 years of age! It’s one of the great British sporting achievements and I know the entire country is proud of what she’s achieved. I also want to congratulate Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, who won gold in the wheelchair doubles at the Paralympics before flying straight to New York before also winning the US Open wheelchair doubles!
My friend and colleague, Victoria Atkins MP, the Home Office Minister, reiterated that indefinite leave to remain will be granted to those Afghans who worked with the British Government and military under the ARAP scheme, while up to 20,000 refugees expected to arrive under the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS) will also have the same “certainty of status”. Both groups will have the option to apply for British citizenship after five years. Local authorities will receive £20,000 per person to provide support to resettled Afghans in a bid to integrate into British and we are urging more local authorities to support the resettlement effort.
I also was humbled to meet some of the many Afghan people who have started settling in London this week at our new Job Centre Plus. It was emotional to meet them, hear their story and just what this safety means. As Employment Minister, I am working with employers to assist with opportunities for many great employers coming forward, so we can be very hopeful for their new lives in the UK and a brighter future.
After the UK’s CMO’s joint recommendation, 12-15 years will be offered one dose of the Pfizer Covid jab, which I know will come as a relief to teachers, parents and students who have contacted me recently. I’ve been highlighting the points constituents have made to me on this, both positive and negative, to colleagues in DHSC over the past few months. Meanwhile, don’t forget to book your flu jab if you are eligible!
I so enjoyed Lindfield Village Day and Haywards Heath Town day taking place last weekend after covid impact - lots of brilliant local businesses and charities altogether. After the last year, these local events have never been more important and I want to say a huge thank you to all those involved in the planning, setting up and running both events.
Finally, with the new school year now well underway, secondary school applications for next year are now open. So, if your child is due to start secondary school in September 2022, you must apply for a place before 31 October 2021.