Grimsby MP Lia Nici has thanked the people who are keeping the town safe.
She has written this message to constituents:
This is a worrying and stressful time for everyone. Who could have imagined just a few weeks ago, that the issue of ‘Brexit’, which had dominated our politics for so long would suddenly be placed on the back burner as the coronavirus started to affect the whole world? Coronavirus has impacted on each and every one of us. Whether it is elderly residents who are having to self-isolate for many weeks, parents with children off school or those whose livelihoods have been put at risk, these are very hard times. It is the biggest peacetime challenge this Country has ever faced.
Due to the precautions that are having to be taken, constituency surgeries have had to be suspended, but I will restart these as soon as it is safe to do so. My constituency team and myself continue to do everything we can to help you at this time.
The measures that the Government has put in place are tough and may get even tougher if necessary. This is the best way forward if we are to protect the NHS so that it can cope and we can come through this quickly and with as little loss of life as possible. This will end and we will get through it together.
I think we can all be proud of the way that our town is coping with the current crisis. Yes, there are stories of greed and selfish behaviour, but for every one of those stories there are many, many more that I hear of acts of kindness, generosity and community spirit. Once we are through this, it will be time to rebuild and strengthen our communities and our fantastic town of Great Grimsby. Since the General Election we have had three government ministers visit the town for talks; I will be meeting and inviting more ministers here in due course to ensure that Great Grimsby stays in full focus as an area that needs investment and better paying jobs. My aim is to make sure that Government and private investors see very clearly the potential we have here.
There is a real threat that the global economy will shrink and create a recession in the UK. The Government is already putting measures in place to mitigate that threat, and I will work hard with local businesses and North East Lincolnshire Council to make sure our local economy remains intact. The issue of ‘Freeport’ status for our local ports area which would provide a great economic boost is still on the table and will be further explored once a degree of normality returns.
Our key challenge is of course, to stop the spread of the virus. Once we have done that we need to evaluate how to manage the aftermath. It will mean a whole re-evaluation of the economy to ensure we can recover and build the kind of post-virus, post-Brexit Britain we all want. After meeting all of the very capable Secretaries of State, Boris Johnson and our talented new Chancellor of the Exchequer, I’m looking forward to a bright future for Great Grimsby and the UK.
I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to all the people who are keeping our town safe and running smoothly. Our fantastic NHS staff and Police and Fire Brigade of course, but also to those people whose critical work goes by unnoticed perhaps; the carers, the lorry drivers, the refuse collectors, our council teams, supermarket staff, cleaners, telephone enquiry teams, plumbers, electricians, butchers, corner shopkeepers – the list is long.
I am sure we will get through this virus very soon if we are all cautious and take care. It will be tough at times, but remember, our older friends and relatives came through a world war.
If you need any advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to call the constituency office on: 01472 426470 or 07758 058522, or email me at lia.nici.mp@parliament.uk
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