Watching the first recipients of the Covid-19 vaccine this week has been both emotional and overwhelming for many. What struck me most was the fact that each person receiving the vaccine was most excited about being able to see their friends and family again. This summarises just what a tough year it has been for everybody, but as a country we have got through it together.
A particularly touching moment came when 91-year-old Martin Kenyon who was interviewed by the media and commented, “well there’s no point dying now when I’ve lived this long is there.” Martin was most excited about being able to hug his granddaughters and thanks to the best scientists in the world, he will shortly be able to do just that.
Elsewhere thank you to everybody who supported Small Business Saturday last weekend. As we all know, it has been an extremely difficult year for shops as well as others. I visited the Highworth Emporium to do some Christmas shopping for my daughter Margot. The Emporium is a fantastic gift and card shop on Highworth High Street, run by the wonderful Aga who has been working night and day to get the shop ready for Christmas. We owe it to small business owners like Aga to shop local this Christmas before we look online – they need our support.
In Westminster this week the Environment Secretary George Eustice announced plans to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening. Live animals commonly have to endure excessively long journeys during exports, causing distress and injury – which is unacceptable and an issue I have campaigned on for a long time. I know just how important animal welfare is to residents in Swindon.
These animal welfare advancements are only possible now that we have left the EU and taken back control of our borders and trade policy. Previously, EU trading rules on the movement of animals had prevented us from tackling issues like this. And there are other areas where we can now go above and beyond EU animal welfare standards, and the Government is taking steps to ban primates as pets and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices expected to be set out in the coming months.
On the issue of Brexit, the Prime Minister met this week with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen this week to discuss the state of play in the negotiations. The Government is working hard to secure a trade agreement and we are exploring all routes to achieve a fair deal for the UK. There are still differences between the two sides; however, the Chief Negotiators will continue these talks over the next few days.
On a final note, it is fantastic to see some Swindon Town will be able to return to the County Ground tomorrow. A huge boost for the fans, the club and the town as we move ever closer back to normality. I hope those lucky enough to get a ticket can cheer on 3 points!
