Last Thursday I had the opportunity to welcome pupils from Holy Cross Catholic Primary School to Westminster. It was a pleasure to meet them all and answer their excellent questions on issues ranging from my work as a Member of Parliament to how heavy the robe is that I have to wear as Lord Chancellor at formal events!
On Saturday I also hosted one of my regular drop-in advice surgeries in Westlea Primary School. These surgeries are an opportunity for residents to come and discuss with me any local or national concerns they have. The next of these surgeries will take place on Saturday in the Park South Community Centre between 10:30am and 12:30pm. The surgery will be held on a first-come-first-served basis, so there is no need to book an appointment.
This Monday the Prime Minister held a COBR meeting on the coronavirus and on Tuesday the Government launched the Coronavirus Action Plan – setting out our clear battle plan to research, contain, delay, and mitigate against the spread of the disease in the UK.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that this is a problem which is likely to become more significant for this country in the course of the next few days and weeks and therefore the Government have been making every possible preparation for that.
It is important to recognise that this country is well prepared. We have a fantastic NHS, testing systems and amazing surveillance of the spread of disease. The Government also has a clean plan, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, so that if and when coronavirus starts to spread, we are in a position to take the steps that will be necessary to contain it as far as we can.
We plan for the worst and we work for the best. However, everyone can help support the UK’s response by: following public health authorities’ advice, for example on hand washing; reducing the impact and spread of misinformation by relying on trusted sources, such as that on www.nhs.uk; checking and following the latest FCO travel advice when travelling and planning to travel; and using NHS 111, pharmacies and GPs responsibly, and go to the hospital only when you really need to.
The ground-breaking Domestic Abuse Bill, which I am spearheading as Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, will be entering the House of Commons this week. This bill will bolster our response to domestic abuse on every level – strengthening protections for victims, whilst ensuring perpetrators feel the full force of the law. From giving courts greater powers through new prevention orders, to barring abusers from cross-examining their victim in the family courts, we are delivering a justice system more resilient than ever to tackle this horrific crime.
Yesterday, the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, commonly known as Helen’s Law, passed through its remaining stages in the Commons. As the Minister responsible, I spoke in support of this vital measure which places a legal duty on the Parole Board to consider the anguish caused by murderers who refuse to disclose the location of a victim’s body when considering release.
