Please see below for all the most recent national announcements regarding Covid-19. To stay up to date with the latest government advice, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
I would like to remind you that we can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
Like everyone else, I am following this guidance and working from home in The Close on urgent Treasury and constituents' matters. #stayalert
--
13 July
You are now able to register your establishment for the #EatOuttoHelpOut Scheme. This initiative will offer a 50% discount to customers and take place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during August. For more information, please read: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme?fbclid=IwAR3smmJXJ04tyzuQWuA33CR492kM-ruGWCIr-esgbeeSmGxXcEXSQqPhKXg.
--
8 July
From the beginning of this crisis we have sought to support as many businesses and individuals as possible. We have done everything within our means to protect jobs, ease the pressure on business and secure the UK’s economic recovery. To date, we have given out over £30.9bn to businesses through over a million Bounce Back Loans, protected over 9.4m jobs through the Job Retention Scheme, and given out nearly 54k Business Interruption Loans. I am proud of the work we have done so far, meaning that many businesses have been able to stand behind their workers.
However, the crisis is not yet over, and the economy still faces some serious challenges moving forward. Nevertheless, I am confident that together we will be able to rebuild and level-up across the United Kingdom. Today, as we enter the second phase of our three-phase plan to secure the UK’s economic recovery, the Chancellor has laid out our plan to protect, support and create jobs. Our new plan will create jobs in every part of this country, and will set the UK on a sure footing for the years ahead - giving us the opportunity of a new start.
Firstly, a Job Retention Bonus will be introduced to help businesses retain the jobs of furloughed staff. Employers will receive a £1000 bonus for every furloughed employee who is still employed on 31st January 2021. We are also introducing a new £2bn Kickstart Scheme which will create thousands of new subsidised jobs for those aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment. We will also be investing £1.6 bn in training, apprenticeships and skills, including a £2000 bonus to any firm for each apprentice they hire under the age of 25.
Secondly, we plan to create thousands of jobs through accelerating work on £8.8bn of new infrastructure and decarbonisation projects. This will include our £3bn green investment package, as well as a £2bn Green Homes Grant Scheme to pay for green improvements to households, saving on average hundreds per year on energy bills while creating thousands of green jobs for tradespeople.
Finally, our plan will also protect jobs. We are introducing a new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount scheme, which will provide a 50% reduction for sit-down meals in cafes, restaurants and pubs across the UK from Monday to Wednesday throughout August; giving the Hospitality industry and roughly 2.4 million of the jobs it supports a much needed boost. We are also cutting VAT on hospitality-related activities from 20% to 5%. We are also temporarily increasing the Nil Rate Band on Stamp Duty to £500,000, meaning nearly 9 out of 10 people getting on or moving up the property ladder will pay no Stamp Duty at all.
Our new plan will be key to our economic recovery, and will secure thousands of jobs across the country. This government remains committed to doing everything possible to support businesses and workers in the months and years ahead, and I am confident that the action we’re taking will give us a fresh start and secure our recovery.
https://www.gov.uk/…/rishis-plan-for-jobs-will-help-britain…
--
6 July
Great news for the Arts on the announcement of a £1.57bn package of support, helping the industry as it faces ongoing challenges due to the pandemic. This constitutes the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture. Wiltshire Creative The Salisbury Museum Salisbury Playhouse - Official https://www.gov.uk/…/157-billion-investment-to-protect-brit…
--
1 July
This week, the government has announced over £434m for the 2020-21 Condition Improvement Fund. I am delighted that
The Trafalgar School at Downton and Bemerton St John Primary School will receive funding for important safeguarding and health and safety improvements.
https://www.gov.uk/…/condition-improvement-fund-2020-to-202…
--
24 June
Our recovery strategy is ensuring that our economy can safely reopen whilst continuing to control the virus. Here’s the list of businesses which can reopen from #4thofJuly: https://www.facebook.com/johnglenuk/photos/a.810391419008855/3050745224973452/?type=3&theater.
--
23 June
The Arts Council Emergency Response Fund has been supporting artists, museums and libraries across the country, helping to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressure faced during the pandemic. I’m delighted that nearly £79k has been awarded across 4 grants in Salisbury. For the full details, head to: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19/data
--
22 June
Today is the last day your business can apply for coronavirus-related discretionary funds from Our Wiltshire. If you were unable to access the initial grant scheme but have ongoing property-related costs, apply to the discretionary fund here: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19…
--
15 June
Our plan to reopen the economy enters its next phase today as shops across the country open their doors for the first time since lockdown began. Whilst continuing to maintain social distancing, you can now support local business and #ShopSalisbury.
--
11 June
From Saturday, single adult households in England will be able to form a support bubble with one other household. As lockdown is gradually lifted, we must each play our part and continue to abide by the rules - ensuring that we control the virus and save lives.
--
10 June
Today marks the last day your business can make a new application to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Nearly 9 million jobs have been protected through it so far, allowing companies across the country to stand behind their workers. Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/…/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronaviru…
--
9 June
Great to see the latest delivery stats from our support schemes - Nearly 9 million jobs protected and just under 800k bounce back loans given out to small businesses. We continue to do everything we can to support the economy through this crisis, and I am confident that the measures we’ve taken will enable the economy to bounce back in the months ahead.
https://www.gov.uk/…/hm-treasury-coronavirus-covid-19-busin…
--
8 June
Great to see extra mental health support for pupils and teachers as they return to school. It is vital that they are properly supported and that resources are available to help them respond to the impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being.
https://www.gov.uk/…/extra-mental-health-support-for-pupils…
Today the Discretionary Fund goes live in Wiltshire. This funding has been provided by central government to cover some of those businesses which were previously unable to access the government grants, but still have ongoing property-related costs. You can find details on eligibility and how to apply here: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19…
--
4 June
Today's Global Vaccine Summit is an important step in the battle against #COVIDー19. We have put more money than any other country into this global effort and I am confident that cooperating with our international partners is the best chance we have at finding a vaccine which works.
Great to see innovation by Salisbury constituents getting national media attention! Sonia Carley's face masks will make a real difference for those with hearing problems who rely on lip reading. Products available to order at: https://friendlyfacemasks.co.uk.
https://metro.co.uk/…/woman-quits-job-make-10000-deaf-frie…/
--
3 June
During this pandemic we have sought to do everything we can to support businesses and individuals through the financial difficulties they’re facing. The latest stats show that we have protected 8.7 million jobs, helped 2.5 million self-employed people and supported nearly 700k small businesses. For the full details, head to: https://www.gov.uk/…/hm-treasury-coronavirus-covid-19-busin…
--
1 June
From today, groups of up to six people are able to meet outdoors in England alongside the opening of outdoor markets and car showrooms. For details on this next phase of our recovery strategy, head to: https://www.gov.uk/…/pm-six-people-can-meet-outside-under-n…
--
28 May
Today we have launched our Test & Trace programme. This important step forward as part of our recovery strategy is a vital tool in the battle against COVID-19 - Each of us can play our part to protect our families and avoid a second peak.
--
27 May
I am glad that we are beginning to see sections of the economy reopen due to our hard work over the past few months. In line with our recovery strategy, many non-essential retailers will be opening again in June. For details of which type of retailers can reopen when, head to: https://www.gov.uk/…/prime-minister-sets-out-timeline-for-r…
--
26 May
For those working in adult social care, this app is a great resource to stay up to date with the latest #coronavirus news and to know what support is available.
For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/…/dedicated-app-for-social-care-workers-….
--
21 May
Looking after your mental health is more important than ever. The government and nhs.uk have made sure that there is sufficient support available for our NHS and social care workers. Text ‘FRONTLINE’ to 85258 to start a conversation. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2020
--
19 May
Yesterday, Matt Hancock announced that testing is available for everyone in the UK with coronavirus symptoms. To put this into action, 21,000 contact tracers have now been recruited in England. For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/…/everyone-in-the-united-kingdom-with-sy… #StayAlert
--
14 May
Excellent news from PHE Porton Down where the coronavirus antibody test has been given the green light. Fantastic to have constituents leading the fight against COVID-19. Public Health England
--
13 May
Great to hear that the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is going to be open for applications ahead of time.
We will continue to do everything we can to help people through this crisis - Find out if you’re eligible for the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/…/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-…
--
12 May
I welcome the decision by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until October. It is essential that the government amend financial support in line with the phased lifting of restrictions. For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/…/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-unt…. #FurloughScheme#StayAlert HM Treasury
--
11 May
Yesterday, the Prime Minister set out our strategy for a phased lifting of lockdown restrictions over the next two months.
Today we have published our COVID-19 recovery strategy and guidance in full, detailing exactly how this applies to businesses and individuals across the country. We will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and act in the public health interest with every decision made. You can acccess the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/…/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments…
--
4 May
This morning I was on BBC Radio Wiltshire discussing our new Bounce Back Loans scheme for businesses launching this week and the latest on our package of support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
--
30 April
A month ago, Rt. Hon. Priti Patel MP announced that visas for nurses, doctors and paramedics will be automatically extended. This week, it was great to hear that midwives, radiographers, social workers and pharmacists will also have visa extensions.
For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/…/home-secretary-announces-visa-extensio….
--
29 April
Social distancing is working and we are beating #Coronavirus. However, stopping prematurely would risk increasing the spread of the virus again in the near future. Until these tests are met, we must keep going.
--
28 April
Over the past two weeks I have been lobbying nhs.uk to open an emergency dental clinic in Salisbury. I'm pleased to say it opens today. If you have an emergency dental need which needs attention please call 111 and you will be assessed over the phone and given an appointment.
--
27 April
Great to see the Prime Minister Boris Johnson fully recovered and back at the helm. Under his leadership we will move forward with our plans to support the economy and save as many lives as possible.
--
24 April
Pleased that the government has introduced measures to make sure the high street is not subjected to aggressive rent collection efforts. I have been contacted by a number of businesses concerned about this so it's good to see we are taking action. For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/…/new-measures-to-protect-uk-high-street…
--
23 April
Good news for local newsagents who have written to me concerned about how people staying at home can get newspapers delivered. I took those concerns to Our Wiltshire and I'm very glad they have taken this sensible step. wiltshire.gov.uk/…/update-on-management-of-child-employment…
--
22 April
Yesterday we announced £42.5 million to support leading teams at Oxford and Imperial in trialling a new vaccine for COVID-19. This is a vital step in our long-term battle against the virus with trials beginning on Thursday.
--
21 April
Yesterday we launched two initiatives worth £1.25bn to champion innovation and entrepreneurship across the UK. Our new Future Fund will match investments made by private investors, ensuring that high growth companies can continue to access the investment they need during this crisis. https://www.gov.uk/…/billion-pound-support-package-for-inno…
Proud of St Joseph's RC School Salisbury for creating PPE equipment for the NHS. If you are able to donate, please do!
https://www.spirefm.co.uk/…/salisbury-school-smashes-ppe-…/…
--
20 April
The Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is available to anyone who is struggling during this difficult time and doesn’t have a support network around them or know where to get help. They are wanting to spread the word and are encouraging people to colour in images and display them in windows to get help to as many people as possible, download here: https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/AFHlC2xK5CmPBxwtnQUIc…
Safer and Supportive Salisbury is a local networking group doing great work to regularly produce a newsletter detailing local support and practical projects to help the vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest edition and information head to the community support section at https://www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/community-support
--
16 April
The government recently announced our package of support for self-employed people to limit the damaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re self employed and have not yet submitted your self assessment tax return for the 2018-19 tax year, you must do this by 23rd April in order to qualify.
HMRC will aim to contact you by mid May if you are eligible for the scheme and will invite you to apply using the GOV.UK online service. There will be alternative methods to claim for those who are not online made available. See full details here: https://www.gov.uk/…/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-…
--
14 April
Wiltshire Council has been working around the clock in the last two weeks to ensure that all businesses eligible for government grants receive them. They have written to over 8,000 businesses, received approximately 5,600 applications and have already awarded around £39m to small businesses across Wiltshire. If your business is eligible and you have not already been contacted, head to http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19.
--
9 April
Wiltshire Council have put together a helpful map of accessible community resources available to you during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from food and prescription deliveries to general volunteering support. Access it here: https://wiltscouncil.maps.arcgis.com/…/webappvi…/index.html…
--
8 April
The Chancellor has announced today £750 million of government funding for charity sector. £350 million of that funding will be used to support small, local charities working with vulnerable people. £360 million will be given directly to charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people as we battle coronavirus. The government will match pound for pound public donations to the BBC ‘Big Night In’ fundraiser on April 23rd, starting with at least £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust appeal. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-sets-out-extra-750-million-coronavirus-funding-for-frontline-charities.
--
2 April
I know that many constituents are concerned about Chris Ramsay from Salisbury, who has been backpacking around South America but was quarantined inside Pariwana Hostels in Cusco, Peru following positive COVID-19 tests for two other people who were staying at the hostel.
I have been lobbying Wendy Morton in the Foreign Office over the past two weeks to make sure that we get Chris back to the UK as soon as possible. We need to do whatever it takes - additional charter flights or joint efforts with partner countries - to get him home safely.
The government has already succeeded in returning many UK nationals trapped in Peru through charter flights over the past week. We need to continue pulling out all the stops to make sure we leave no one behind.
--
1 April
The latest guidance is available here for NHS employees. You are all doing an incredible job on the front-line and everyone in South Wiltshire is grateful for your dedication and service. Thank you also to the many retired nurses and doctors who have returned to work to bolster the ranks.
www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus
--
31 March
I have been very encouraged by the efforts I have seen locally from individuals and businesses to pitch-in to the national effort against COVID-19.
Each of us has a part to play by staying home where possible to protect the NHS and save lives.
I am continuing to work to do all that I can to help people across the constituency, if you want to be kept up to date on the latest support available to you, head to www.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you’re a business leader, head to https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-su…/
I welcome the decision by the government to launch a generous voucher scheme for schools providing free school meals. Whilst schools are shut, every eligible child will have access to a voucher worth up to £15 a week to spend in supermarkets. The list of participating supermarkets currently includes Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, M&S, Waitrose, Aldi and McColl’s and I know that ministers are working to expand this list. Where families are unable to access any of these supermarkets, schools are able to buy vouchers for other retailers and the DfE will refund the cost. This initiative will provide ongoing support for the 1.3 million children that would receive benefits-related free school meals at their school. For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/voucher-scheme-launches-for-schools-providing-free-school-meals.
--
30 March
During the election campaign I visited Downton Distillery and saw some of the great work they produce. In the weeks ahead, they will be producing and giving away free hand sanitiser to local residents. It's great to see the community pulling together and our local businesses pitching-in with the national effort!
--
26 March
Today we have announced one of the world's most generous support packages for the self-employed. We will give self-employed people a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last three years, covering anyone with trading profits up to £50,000. This is a fair and deliverable scheme which is targeted at those who need it most.
https://www.gov.uk/…/chancellor-gives-support-to-millions-o…
--
26 March
From today, we will provide free car parking for NHS staff in hospitals across England. Councils will also set up local arrangements to suspend charges for all on-street parking and council-run car parks for health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers. The NHS and its staff are facing an unprecedented challenge, we want to do everything we can to support them. #NHS #StayHomeSaveLives
--
25 March
Wiltshire Council is doing all that it can to abide by the government’s latest guidance whilst also keeping essential services accessible to the public. Some services will remain face-to-face, others will now be done remotely. For the latest advice and information on all council services, head to http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus.
Please think about signing up to volunteer with the nhs.uk via Goodsam. Support our health services to be the best that they can be during this unprecedented time. Please see: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders…
--
23 March
Today the government is launching the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for SMEs and Covid Corporate Financing Facility for larger firms. If you run an SME and want to access this support, find the latest information here: https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-business-support-to-launch…
These measures are being delivered to support businesses through these challenging times. We're standing behind businesses, so that they can stand behind their employees.
--
20 March
Today we have announced an unprecedented package of measures to support workers across the country.
As I assured colleagues yesterday in the House of Commons Chamber, work has been happening in the Treasury to expand our approach. Today we are protecting the economy and safeguarding people’s jobs. Among other measures - Government grants will cover 80% of the salary of retained workers, up to £2,500 a month, we’re deferring VAT payments for businesses for the next quarter and increasing Universal Credit levels by £1,000 for the next year. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to support the country in getting through this.
--
20 March
Late last night, the Department for Education published its guidance on critical workers and schools. It sets out where parents are working in areas which are critical for our response to COVID-19 and therefore will need continued school provision for their children. If you think this may affect you, please read this here: https://www.gov.uk/…/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-loca…. For most children with parents not on the list who are staying home, it's important that they are not mixing socially outside the home and spreading the virus but observing the same social distancing principles as adults.
The government has also put out a call for all doctors and nurses who have only recently left working for the NHS in the past three years to please re-register and help tackle the unprecedented public health crisis we all face. Further details can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/…/former-docs-and-nurses-told-y…/ and if you fall in this category, your regulator will be in contact with you shortly with more information.
I have received many emails from businesses in Salisbury who are concerned about the future. We are doing everything we can to support you and the Chancellor will be making a further announcement later today on this.
--
19 March
We face an unprecedented challenge with COVID-19 here in the UK. But for some people in Salisbury it is an even more distressing time as they have friends and family who are overseas during the present crisis.
Over the past two weeks, I have received a significant number of emails alerting me to Salisbury residents who have found themselves stranded abroad. Across the world, countries have been shutting down both domestic and international transport routes, making it very difficult for people to easily return home. We have already had some successes but there are still many people trying to get home.
Countries affected include Spain, Morocco, Peru, Venezuela and the Philippines among others. Due to the extreme sensitivities around coronavirus and public health risks, it is not simply a matter of us sending planes to airports around the world to pick up our citizens. Delicate diplomacy will be required to unlock solutions and bureaucratic hurdles will need to be cleared.
I have been in regular contact with ministerial colleagues in the Foreign Office to highlight people who have found themselves unable to fly home. Across the world, British embassies and consulates are working flat out to make sure we do everything possible for those currently trapped in difficult circumstances.
It is imperative that everyone who finds themselves in such a situation overseas keeps in regular contact with the local British embassy or consulate as soon as possible and monitors their social media channels to keep up to date with the latest developments. I will be keeping up the pressure here in London. Family members who are concerned about people overseas can also contact the Foreign Office on 020 7008 1500.
--
18 March
Today the government has announced that schools will close at the end of Friday except for vulnerable children and the children of vital services staff. This will ensure that we can have the maximum impact on curbing the spread of the virus whilst also allowing our vital services to continue working properly.
During these challenging times, it is vital that we all do what we can to follow the government’s advice to tackle the spread. Keep up to date with the latest advice and measures here: https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-res…
--
17 March
Today the Chancellor unveiled a further package of measures to support businesses, individuals and the wider economy through the challenges we will face in the weeks and months ahead. As well as other measures, we are making up to £330bn available in government-backed loans, giving grants up to £25,000 and extending the 100% year-long business rates reduction to the retail, leisure and hospitality sector. This government will continue to do all that it can to support the country in battling COVID-19 and its wider impact. Be kept up to date with the full details here: https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-res…
--
16 March
The unwelcome arrival of COVID-19 to our shores will require an unprecedented response by the government and NHS over the next few months. I am urging all constituents to listen to official guidance from the government and Public Health England, and do your best to ignore the often ill-informed commentary which seems to be so prevalent on social media. We have some of the finest experts in the world working on the UK response, including many constituents who are scientists atPorton Down. Please avoid sharing posts and speculation on social media from unqualified sources.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) are leading the government’s response and advising the Prime Minister – we could not have asked for two more qualified people to be in these positions at this moment in our history. Chris Whitty was Professor of Public and International Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine before becoming the Chief Scientific Adviser for DFID then head of the National Institute for Health Research. Sir Patrick Vallance was Head of Medicine at University College London (UCL) Medical School before being appointed Head of Research and Development for the pharmaceutical giant, GSK. The CMO and GCSA both lead large teams of medical experts and scientists who are working round the clock to ensure that the government receives the very best guidance.
To keep up to date with the very latest official advice please make sure to regularly visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/and to read the latest on the government response visit https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-res….
As well as making sure you keep up to date with and follow the latest advice from the government, there are other practical steps that may be helpful for you to consider. Ventilator production will be critical to caring for patients with COVID-19. The Government Business Support helpline has a specific team if you or your business can help with production – please contact 0300 456 3565. The Red Cross is also always on standby to help with emergencies such as COVID-19. You can help by signing up to their community reserve volunteer programme at https://reserves.redcross.org.uk/.
