I am delighted to say voting has started on my first children's Christmas card competition. There were more than 300 hundred entries from lots of different schools and we clearly have a lot of talented artists across Crewe and Nantwich! It was very very hard to choose our finalists. We tried to get an entry from every school. To vote, you can click on my website or like your favourite on Facebook:
https://www.drkieranmullan.org.uk/news/christmas-card-competition-time-vote
https://www.facebook.com/372926399915233/posts/858958454645356
This week it was announced that from the 2nd December we will return to a localized tier system and Cheshire East has been placed in tier 2. No one wants any of these restrictions, I don’t. But whilst case rates are continuing to decline across Cheshire, they are still high. Case rates in those over 60 remain high as well, though they are also falling. So we are on the right path and tiers will be reviewed again in 2 weeks. In the meantime, we have just got to all knuckle down and stick to the rules as our best way of getting out of them. I will continue to push for Cheshire East to be treated separately wherever possible.
I am optimistic vaccines and mass testing will give us a way through this pandemic. All I can do is ask once again for people's patience and perseverance. The government has set out the rules for Christmas for those families that want to get together.
My team and I are always happy to help answer any questions about the rules and to help local businesses access the financial support available to them. I have also urged Cheshire East to make available the local restrictions grants as soon as possible.
My 2 weeks of isolation came to an end on Wednesday, and on Thursday I was back in the House of Commons, putting questions to the Minister for the Environment, the Foreign Secretary, and the Leader of the House. I defended the government decision to cut aid spending which I think is the fair and reasonable thing to do given the crisis we are facing and the fact we are still being very generous.
I also asked the Leader of the House specifically about people helping the NHS by offering their venues for the COVID vaccine rollout. I would encourage anyone with a suitable site for mass vaccination and who have capacity and would like to help the NHS's COVID vaccine rollout to get in contact with me. I would expect that funding will be provided.
Finally, I have two surveys currently running and I would greatly appreciate your views! One of my surveys is on Crewe Town Bid and I want to hear your views on what the £25 million fund should go towards. I will share your views with the Crewe Town Board. The other survey I am running is on the new Cheshire East car parking proposals. We pay the highest rates in Cheshire East in Crewe & Nantwich and in other towns there are no charges at all. That has got to change. I want to hear your views on these charges so I can feedback my constituents views on the proposals directly to the council. More information and the survey links can be found below.
This week I also had meetings with SUDEP Action, an epilepsy charity, and Scope, a disability charity, and you can read about these meetings below.
LEAVING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
CHRISTMAS CORONAVIRUS RULES
CHESHIRE EAST CAR PARKING
CREWE TOWN BID - HAVE YOUR SAY
VENUES FOR COVID VACCINE ROLLOUT
UK AID SPENDING
MAW GREEN ROAD FLOODING
MEETING WITH DISABILITY CHARITY SCOPE
MEETING WITH EPILEPSY CHARITY SUDEP ACTION
LEAVING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
On Monday the Prime Minister announced that the national restrictions will be lifted on the 2nd December and published the COVID Winter Plan. Under this plan we will return to a regional tiered approach to controlling the virus.
A summary of the COVID-19 Winter Plan can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/.../covid.../covid-19-winter-plan-summary
Across all of England, regardless of tier:
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The stay at home requirement will end, with travel being permitted again subject to guidance in each tier.
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Shops, personal care, gyms and the wider leisure sector will reopen.
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Collective worship, weddings and outdoor sports can resume.
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People will no longer be limited to seeing only one other person in outdoor public spaces - the rule of 6 will now apply outdoors as it did in the previous set of tiers.
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Between the 23rd and 27th December you can form a ‘Christmas bubble’ (more details can be found below).
Other key changes
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The 10pm closing time for hospitality has been modified to last orders at 10pm and closing time at 11pm. This allows customers to depart gradually and provides greater flexibility.
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In tiers 1 or 2, spectator sport and business events can now resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.
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The government is expanding eligibility of ‘support bubbles’. This will help mitigate the impacts of the restrictions on parents of children aged under 1 (or under 5 and with a disability that necessitates continuous care) and for those households where a single adult cares for someone with a serious disability.
On Thursday, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that Cheshire East has been placed in Tier 2.
The new rules for Tier 2 are:
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you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
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you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
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businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
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pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
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hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
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provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
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close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
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stop taking orders after 10pm
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hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
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early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
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public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
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public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
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places of worship remain open, but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
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weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
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organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
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organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
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you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
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if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey
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for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list
Across all tiers, everyone:
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must wear a face covering in most indoor public settings, unless they have an exemption
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should follow the rules on meeting others safely
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should attend school or college as normal, unless they are self-isolating. Schools, universities, colleges and early years settings remain open in all tiers
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should walk or cycle where possible, plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes when travelling
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must follow the gathering limits at their tier except for in specific settings and circumstances. These exemptions are detailed at the end of this guidance
For more information on the what businesses can remain open and for the exemptions on gathering limits, please visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know?fbclid=IwAR2u16cmUl0ewdaH5mXI6BEzxs-hEpIx6A1J5QR65UCHHOyo_k-xhJUHjt0
As ever, if you have any questions or concerns about the new Tier rules please don’t hesitate to contact me at kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk
CHRISTMAS CORONAVIRUS RULES
The government understands that the Christmas period is an important time for many people, and we all wish to spend this time with our family and friends. For this reason, social distancing rules will change between 23rd and 27th December.
In that short period, we can form 'Christmas Bubbles' with up to 3 households and travel between tiers and UK Nations to meet those in your Christmas bubble. The following rules should however be followed:
- You should only be in one Christmas bubble and this cannot be changed.
- You only meet those in your Christmas bubble in private households, places of worship or outdoor public places.
- You travel to meet your Christmas bubble between 23rd and 27th December (22nd and 28th for those travelling to and from Northern Ireland).
It is important to remember that during this period the virus still poses a risk so measures such as regular hand washing, ensuring indoor places has good ventilation and following the usual self-isolation rules should you get symptoms. You should also consider the increased risk for those who are clinically vulnerable.
I understand that this is going to be a festive season very different from normal. These rules however ensure that we can see our loved ones during this time, while reducing the risk of transmission as much as possible.
Full guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family?fbclid=IwAR1Vv_27HO30uvS7i1TosoJunMcHkrr1jOSEcuyfeN3sQ0iNkphkqUY3TzU
CHESHIRE EAST CAR PARKING
Thousands of people signed the petition opposed to car parking charges being reintroduced earlier in the year because people know that car parking charges do not help business, especially when those charges are unfair across an area.
The long-awaited review of car parking charges by Cheshire East is now online. I would encourage you to complete the full consultation (https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/VZTQ7T/) but as it is quite extensive covering a number of issues of car parking policy I want to make it easy for people to feedback on the key issues. I will collect and send in peoples views.
Users of car parks in Nantwich and Crewe are currently charged for car parking. Users of car parks in Alsager, Bollington, Handforth, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich, Poynton, Prestbury and Sandbach are not currently charged for car parking. We pay the highest charges in the Borough. Our independent retailers and our high streets are struggling.
We have got to see change.
A link to my survey can be found here:
CREWE TOWN BID – HAVE YOUR SAY!
Before the election in December, I campaigned for Crewe to get a Town Deal. I got the Minister in charge of the fund to come to Crewe and see for himself why we need the funding.
AND WE GOT ONE!
This means Crewe can benefit from up to £25-million of funding for projects which will help to build a better future for the town. I know people have heard all this before, that you will believe it when you see it. But if you don't have your say we won't be able to get this right for you and your family.
This is a huge opportunity, and it makes clear that the Government is committed to levelling up our towns. We could do a lot with this money. We could make sure there are more things for young people & families to do in town, tackle empty buildings and shops or create more chances for people to live and work in the town centre. We can finally see action instead of talk.
But I really want to know what you think.
You may already know the demolition of the Royal Arcade in the middle of town has finally started, with a new bus station and car park due to be built. Developers plan on building a bowling alley and cinema to go with it.
Crewe has also already been awarded £750,000 by the government to develop Lyceum Square based on plans that the Crewe Cultural Forum came up with, with things like outdoor screens and seating & dining areas. The indoor market is also due to reopen next year. An operator has agreed to take on running it which is a good early sign it will be a success.
I honestly think we are turning a corner.
But there’s still more to do. That’s why I’m asking you to fill in this short survey so we can work together to improve our town centre. I will share your views with the Crewe Town Board.
Together we can shape the future of Crewe. So let me know what you think by filing out my survey. I will share your view with the Crewe Town Board who have to come up with the plan of how we spend the money.
A link to my survey can be found here:
https://www.drkieranmullan.org.uk/news/crewe-town-bid-have-your-say
VENUES FOR COVID VACCINE ROLLOUT
When a vaccine for COVID-19 is approved, we will face the Herculean task of rolling-out the vaccination nationally.
Once of the challenges we will have to overcome is finding suitable venues across the country to give the vaccine to people en masse. I have been contacted by local NHS leaders who have said that the NHS will need access to local venues to roll-out a vaccine.
Anyone who thinks they can help get in touch, I would expect funding will be provided.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced this week, as part of the Spending Review, a temporary reduction in the UK’s aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of our national income.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the UK economy which has meant this Government has had to make some difficult decisions.
Labour and some Conservative MPs were quick to criticise this decision however, even with this reduction in our UK aid budget. I do not believe it is right to describe the UK's aid contribution as dismal, this language is an insult to the UK taxpayers paying for it. Even with this cut, we remain a world leading aid donor.
But right now, it is reasonable to trim what we spend.
Maw Green Road in Crewe has been hit by severe flooding this year. It has previously hit the news with people seen in canoes!
https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/brothers-share…
Recently, I asked the Environment Minister if she would meet with me to discuss funding for Cheshire East's proposals for tackling this issue.
I have been working with residents, the Environment Agency and Cheshire East already on surface water flooding as mentioned by the Minister at this and other sites.
But we need to do all we can to protect residents and their homes from flooding and I am pleased the Minister has agreed to meet with me to discuss this matter further.
MEETING WITH DISABILITY CHARITY SCOPE
This week I met with the disability charity Scope to discuss their supporting disabled people in employment through the pandemic and their recommendations.
Progress has been made in this area, between April-June 2013 and April-June 2020, the number of disabled people in employment has increased by 1.25 million and the disability employment gap has been reduced by five percentage points.
The pandemic has had a considerable impact on businesses across the country and I am pleased that DWP is currently working on policies to provide specific employment support for disabled people both in and out of work. This includes initiatives such as the Access to Work, Disability Confident, Work and Health Programme and the new Intensive Personalised Employment Support Programme.
We must ensure the pandemic does not cause lasting damage to disability employment and it was great to speak meet with Scope to discuss this important issue and their ideas for what else we could do.
MEETING WITH EPILEPSY CHARITY SUDEP ACTION
This week I had a meeting with the charity SUDEP Action, a charity which is dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy risks and addressing the issue of epilepsy deaths, such as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
I have been trying to understand the issue of epilepsy deaths, after a meeting with a constituent who lost their child and find out what current work being done on the NHS about this.
Epilepsy can a major impact on a person’s quality of everyday life and be a real struggle to live with. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has affected so many people and families in the UK.
The work of SUDEP Action has been incredibly valuable and I look forward to engaging with them in the future as I continue to look into this issue.
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
- Maw Lane - Closed 27th November until 17th December
- Stoneley Road, Crewe - Closed 2nd December until 4th December
- North Street, Crewe - Closed 28th November
- Pyms Lane - Closed
- Tower Way - Closed
- Delamere Street (Between Tower Way and Queensway) - Closed until 30th November
- Buxton Avenue, Crewe - Closed until 6th December
- North Way - Closed 30th November until 2nd December
- London Road A51 - Closed until 11th December
- Batherton Lane, Nantwich - Closed until 3rd December
- London Road B5074 - Closed 28th November until 29th November
- Main Road, Weston - Closed until 30th November
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