Politically speaking: Jon Trickett MP says 'we are not yet out of the woods' in fight against Covid-19

These continue to be tough times for all of us. As we move into a new set of restrictions, it is crucial that we continue to play our part in tackling Covid-19.

Who would have thought this time last year that 2020 would have turned out the way it has?

But despite this, there are numerous examples of how local people, businesses and communities across Wakefield have pulled together, helping and supporting each other in our time of need. This has shown the true resilience that underpins our community.

I also know the immense sacrifices many people have had to make in order to protect themselves and the local community.

Everyday, for many months, I have received letters and emails from people who have really struggled this year. I have spoken to people who have lost their jobs, to families struggling to put food on their table, to local businesses having to close, and heart-breaking stories of people unable to visit loved ones in care homes.

Knowing the real impact of this virus on people’s lives, I feel angry about how our district and other northern communities have been treated by this Tory government.

Food vouchers have been denied for children who need them most. Northern workers on furlough received less money to get by than those living elsewhere. This only changed when the south began to face restrictions.

Furthermore, billions of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on the pandemic.

As a country we have spent among the highest amounts to confront Covid-19. Yet economically we have been one of the hardest hit. A recent report has found that this crisis has already pushed 700,000 people, including 120,000 children, into poverty.

And to add insult to injury, the government’s procurement policies have reportedly seen multi-million pound contracts given to friends and family of the Conservative Party.

All of this is doing nothing to address the real concerns of local people and businesses here in the Wakefield district.

That is why I recently spoke in the House of Commons expressing my concerns about how the government’s Covid-19 response has badly let down people in the north. I have also tabled a parliamentary motion that is gaining cross-party support, calling on the government to make the £20 increase to Universal Credit permanent.

I will continue to press the government for a better deal for Wakefield and West Yorkshire with additional financial support and for a local and regional recovery plan.

It is important that belatedly, further testing is to be rolled out across our region. Wakefield Council will soon be rolling out lateral flow tests.

I would urge everyone in our area to get tested if they think they have the virus. This could help us move from Tier 3 and into Tier 2. However, local councils must be given the necessary support for this to be a success.

I am also really encouraged by the speed and progress towards a vaccine. It is vital that those at most risk are prioritised and that vaccinations should be free.

Finally, I want to once again give thanks for the way in which everyone, individually and collectively, is playing their part.

We are not out of the woods yet, but there is clear optimism that we will start to see a move towards normality in early 2021.