Weekly Round-up

Having now been in lockdown for nearly two weeks, we are all beginning to get used to the restrictions and the new form our daily life is taking.  It’s really important, however, that we don’t get complacent, and that we continue to follow the guidelines put in place by the Government to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure that we do not leave our homes except for shopping for the essentials, once for daily exercise (still maintaining physical distance with others), to meet medical and care needs, and for essential travel to work. A reminder of the guidance can be found here. Our health service are doing such a fantastic job, and we must continue to support them by doing what we can to stop Coronavirus spreading.

I know that self-isolation and working from home are difficult and inconvenient for everyone.  However, for some people, it could actually prove dangerous.   For victims of domestic abuse, home is not a sanctuary, and this week, I’ve written for Mumsnet on why the UK Government must provide more support for those suffering domestic abuse during this difficult time.  There needs to be an increase in women’s refuge places secured with UK Government financial support, because without this, charities will not be able to cope. We also need the courts to prioritise domestic violence cases or emergency orders to ensure that when victims of domestic abuse seek out support (which can be a significant step for them), there is an adequate response that gives them security.  The importance of this was brought home this week by the terrible news that a family in South Wales have been tragically affected by domestic abuse with Ruth Williams’ death and her husband arrested for her murder.

The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline can be reached on 0800 970 2070 and Women’s Aid phone line on 0808 2000 247 can also be reached 24 hours a day. If something more discreet is needed, Women’s Aid have an email at helpline@womensaid.org.uk with a response within 5 days, and a messaging service at chat.womensaid.org.uk. In an emergency, however, you should always dial 999 – and pressing 55 if it is not safe to speak will route your call through to the police.

In a small personal step to tackle the scourge of domestic abuse, this week I became a member of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse.  The Employers’ Initiative works with employers and businesses to highlight the important role that they play in the fight against domestic abuse, and equip them with the tools to help staff who may be affected.  They know better than most how work is often the only safe space for victims.

I was pleased to see this week that the UK Government listened to the calls myself and others have been making since the severity of the coronavirus pandemic became apparent, and have started temporarily releasing pregnant women who do not pose a risk to the public from prison. 65 inmates across 23 prisons have already tested positive for the virus and in confined spaces it will be hard to ensure that self-isolation and social distancing is managed effectively. We must ensure that we do all we can to safeguard vulnerable and high-risk groups during this coronavirus pandemic and this is a good start.

Also this week, I’ve written to Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, asking him to take urgent action to reduce the number of staff working at the DVLA in Swansea. I’ve been inundated with concerns from local employees that the headquarters was still operating as normal, without allowances for new social distancing rules.  Happily, following our highlighting of this issue, the DVLA are now operating with a skeleton staff and constituents are no longer required to go into the office. This is an extremely difficult time for all businesses, but organisations such as the DVLA have a responsibility to their staff and must be held accountable for dangerous and irresponsible actions.

I am still challenging BT Sport’s decision not to refund customers’ subscriptions for the sports channels that they cannot watch while the coronavirus pandemic disrupts sports schedules. They offer three options currently: customers can donate one-month credit for BT Sport to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, receive a bill credit, or get three months free BT Sport with Entertainment TV or BT packages. While this seems reasonable for those who can continue to afford TV subscriptions, for those who are now worrying about paying their rent or putting food on the table, paying for extra TV packages is an unnecessary and extravagant expense. I am asking BT to reconsider their decision.

I have been continuing to coordinate and help with hot food deliveries to the vulnerable around Swansea this week, and it’s been extremely heartening to see the local community pulling together and supporting one another through this difficult time. There have been such generous donations from food outlets around the constituency and our fabulous volunteers have been out and about delivering vital supplies to those who need it. Thank you to all.

You can keep up to date with Welsh Government announcements and information on their dedicated coronavirus page. As always, if you have any issues or concerns to raise with me as your local MP, please get in touch by emailing carolyn.harris.mp@parliament.uk. My staff are continuing to work from home and are, as always, here to help in whatever way they can.

I hope you all keep well and remember – stay home, save lives – and keep washing your hands!