This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Banbury’s MP disappointed a lockdown became necessary
05/01/2021
“I have no doubt that the next few weeks will be the hardest yet. However, I remain hopeful that this will be the final phase of our fight against the pandemic.”
Banbury’s MP Victoria Prentis has issued a statement saying how disappointed she was that it had been necessary to return to a national lockdown. Mrs Prentis says that the decision follows a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections with the Cherwell district having the highest infection rate in Oxfordshire.
In the note, published today on Mrs Prentis’ website, she voices her concerns as to the impact the virus will have on hospitals such as the Horton General which she describes as in “an extremely difficult position”.
Mrs Prentis empathises with parents who’s children are now at home after schools were forced to close. She notes how her own daughter should have been sitting her A-Levels this summer and says the impact on children worries her.
The MP for Banbury concludes by saying that she “has no doubt that the next few weeks will be the hardest yet, but remains hopeful that this will be the final phase of the fight against the pandemic.
Here is the message in full:
“I am deeply disappointed that we have had to return to a national lockdown. However, I know the decision was not taken lightly. We have seen a rapid rise in infections across the country since the new strain of the virus was identified in December. Cherwell now has the highest case rate in Oxfordshire. The situation really does seem critical.
“Throughout the pandemic I have been concerned about the impact of the virus on our hospitals, including the Horton. Infection rates have been monitored closely and updates provided to me during a weekly meeting with our local public health officials. Winter was always going to be difficult. I know from my conversations with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and others, that a lot of planning had gone into making sure the Trust could respond as quickly and effectively to increasing pressures. Hospital admissions tend to be about two weeks behind the rate of infection. Latest data has indicated a significant upturn. Combined with the usual winter pressures and staff absences because of the pandemic, it is clear that our hospitals are in an extremely difficult position. Immediate action needed to be taken.
“I know we are all tired and frustrated about the reality of further restrictions on our everyday lives. I had really hoped we would not have to close schools again. As a parent of a child who should have been sitting her A-Levels this summer I am very worried about the impact on our children. The pandemic has had profound consequences for our businesses who have been doing all they can to keep going. They need to be able to make it to the Spring, so I am glad that businesses will be able to access some further support which has been announced today. Measures include a one-off grant for closed businesses in England, discretionary funding which will be overseen by Cherwell District Council, and a new one-off grant to support retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses.
“I have no doubt that the next few weeks will be the hardest yet. However, I remain hopeful that this will be the final phase of our fight against the pandemic. The biggest vaccination programme in our history is well underway, with more people vaccinated so far than the rest of Europe combined. The pace of vaccination is accelerating; I was proud to see the first person receive the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine at the Churchill Hospital yesterday. We now have local vaccination sites set up in Bicester and Banbury. As the four top priority groups – including all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, everyone over the age of 70, all frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable – are vaccinated, I am hopeful that the end is in touching distance.
“Until then, it is absolutely essential that we follow the rules. My team and I have been working around the clock to signpost and support all those in need during this difficult time. I will continue to do what I can as we respond to the pandemic. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please contact me directly via victoria.prentis.mp@parliament.uk.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam