1. Latest Covid Numbers

At the time of writing, from 14 February to 20 February, there were 129 cases of coronavirus in Richmond upon Thames. This represents a decrease from the previous week. The incidence rate is 65.1/100,000, compared to a London-wide incidence of 79.7/100,000 and England-wide rate of 115.5/100,000.

Data source: https://www.datarich.info/covid-19/

2. Do you know of someone who might benefit from a video Carephone?

Vulnerable residents can apply for easy-to-use video communication tablets to keep in touch with their loved ones and carers.

Read more HERE

3. Richmond Council's Climate Emergency Strategy update

Richmond Council has announced its first Climate Emergency Strategy update. It includes plans to tackle food waste, switch to greener energy, and to plant more trees.

Find out more HERE

4. Book a lateral flow test

All residents in the borough who are essential workers, volunteering or providing vital support for a vulnerable resident can now book a rapid COVID-19 test in Twickenham, Hampton & East Sheen.

The test is for people NOT experiencing symptoms.

Book now: www.richmond.gov.uk/book_lateral_flow_test

5. Healthwatch Richmond COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar

Healthwatch Richmond held a live webinar with a panel of health experts answering your questions on everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine.

6. Local meetings and events

Over the last couple of weeks I have:

Met with local primary and secondary heads to discuss the return to schools and Government's proposals on "catch-up" plans

Participated in a roundtable on the importance and value of apprenticeships with Twickenham-based Hawk Training

Met with Lis Chapple, Met Police Borough Commander for South West London. Staff absence levels have improved in recent weeks and there has been good adherence to lockdown rules locally.

7. Urging the PM to tackle children's looming mental health crisis

Too often, children and young people have been an afterthought in this pandemic. Many are feeling anxious, stressed and isolated.

That's why I've urged the Prime Minister to provide a ringfenced fund to schools for mental health support so that every young person gets the support they deserve.

8. Attacking Government for levelling down London through cuts to higher education funding

The Government says it's levelling up the UK, yet its proposals to cut funding to London universities only levels London down, with St Mary's in Twickenham at risk of losing in excess of £800,000 per year. These cuts will be felt deeply by the poorest students and will widen disadvantage. The Government must rethink this decision.

Read more HERE

9. Demanding more funding for local schools to cover the costs of Covid

Many primary schools in Twickenham are struggling with the double-whammy of the costs of making their sites Covid-secure and the lost income from lettings and fundraising. Education Ministers are trying to pass the buck to hard-pressed local councils so I challenged local government ministers on money and guidance they were offering to local councils.

Read more HERE

10. "Where is the plan for social care?"

Matt Hancock has announced another reorganisation of how the NHS is managed.

However, he has failed to lay out a substantial plan for social care, despite constant promises to reform and fund social care properly. In Parliament, I asked when the government would fulfil the Prime Minister's promise. Read more HERE

11. Join my campaign for better air quality

In 2005 the World Health Organization (WHO) put air quality guidelines in place. Over 15 years later, they are still not UK law, causing serious health problems. I'm campaigning for the Government to put stricter rules in place for the sake of our community.

I invite you to sign my petition HERE