Immigration Bill

On Monday 18^th May I voted in favour of the Immigration and Social Security Co-Ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill.  

The landmark bill will end free movement and give the government full control of UK borders for the first time in four decades.  

A new immigration system was a key manifesto commitment which I was democratically elected on.  

It represents an important milestone in paving the way for the new UK points-based immigration system. 

The firmer and fairer points-based immigration system will attract the brightest and best from around the globe, prioritising those who come to Britain on the skills they have to offer, not on the passport they hold.  

Once passed, it will give the UK full control over who comes to the country. By ending free movement, and bringing EU citizens under UK immigration controls, the bill will enable the points-based system from 1st January 2021.  

The system will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics. Overall levels of migration will be reduced, and the government will end reliance on low-paid labour from abroad.  

Those who want to come to the UK and contribute to our economy and society, will benefit a more streamlined, flexible and simplified system. The operation of the UK border will be revolutionised and security tightened to stop serious criminals entering the country. 

The bill allows the government to make changes to social security arrangements. This will help to ensure people making the UK their home after 1^st January 2021 pay into the system for a reasonable period before they can access the benefit system.  

There is absolutely no question that EU citizens have played and continue to play a vital role in our society and economy. Many work in important areas such as the NHS and in are care homes which are both on the front line on the fight against COVID-19.  

Many EU citizens very much consider the UK to be their home and this clear from there having been 3.5 million applications the EU Settlement scheme which will remain open until June 2021. We are and will continue to be the most welcoming and friendly country in the world.  

Newspaper column 21 May - COVID Update 9

In the ninth week of lockdown we have begun to see how the changes put in place by the Government as of last Wednesday are working.

Over the last weekend the roads and open spaces were busier than earlier in the lockdown. A lot of this appeared to be local people exercising under the new rules, but I will continue to seek updates from local police on what this movement is made up of and feed back to the Government as appropriate.

One of the things coming from last week’s announcement that many people have contacted me about is regarding the reopening of schools for some age groups on 1st June. 

It is extremely important to note that it remains up to the parents as to whether they send their children back to school. They do not have to and will not be fined for choosing to keep their children at home. 

Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate the risk entirely at this stage of the outbreak. However, what is clear is that we are past the peak of the virus and the risk to children is very low.  

The age groups of the children who will be going back to school on 1st June are at key stages of their development and education. Keeping them out of school for longer could be detrimental to their physical and mental health and for their chances in later life. 

I accept that social distancing will be a challenge. The government is issuing important guidance for schools who are making the necessary plans and changes to ensure that schools can be as safe as possible for the return. Class sizes will be much smaller than before, and these classes will not mix with any other classes and will remain with one teacher for the duration of the school day. 

Good levels of hygiene will of course be encouraged and there will also be testing availability for children and teachers. 

It is also worth noting that the plans for schools is provisional and things may change. These are careful first steps and the timetable for reopening will be delayed if necessary. If the alert level does not allow it then the schools won’t reopen on 1st June. 

The Prime Minister has said: ‘If there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes’, and I will continue to represent the interests of Truro and Falmouth as part of the overall Government response to the pandemic.   

Finally last week with the ease in lockdown I was able to join Volunteer Cornwall in Truro and help deliver prescriptions to people who are self isolating. Thank as ever to both Volunteer Cornwall and everyone else who continues to go above and beyond for their communities during this crisis.

My team and I are here to help during this crisis. You can email me at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, call me on 0207 2193713 (messages will be picked up), and my website www.cherilynmackrory.org.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thisischerilyn are all regularly updated with matters relating both to the current crisis and other useful news and information. Please do get in touch if you need any help or have questions for me.

Newspaper column 14 May 2020 - COVID Update 9

In the eighth week of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen changes announced at the beginning of the week which came into force yesterday.

Because of the falls in hospital admissions, and the use of critical care beds, our NHS has not been overwhelmed by the pandemic. Meanwhile the Government increased daily tests by over 1,000% during April - from 11,041 on 31 March to 122,347 on 30 April. The Stay At Home message has worked and because of this, we can now look at taking small and sensible steps towards the future.

The Prime Minister’s initial statement on the changes was made on Sunday, followed by detailed guidance on the new guidance, and a debate in Parliament on Monday.

Although the changes that have been announced are very minor, a lot of concerns were raised locally about people again travelling to Cornwall for holidays and staying at second homes.

I was pleased to see the guidance and the Prime Minister both specifically address that travel to second homes is still prohibited. Holiday accommodation also remains closed so people should not be coming to Cornwall for any sort of holiday while lockdown continues.

The Furlough scheme will also continue at 80% for until the end of July and in some form until October.

In brief the new guidance shows three steps for us to recover from the pandemic

The first step began yesterday on 13 May. This outlines that where possible, workers who can work from home should continue remote working. Those who cannot, such as workers in construction and manufacturing, should travel to work. Those working in hospitality and retail are still exempt from going to work.

At the same time nannies and childminders will be allowed to return to work, allowing in turn more parents to go to work.

People are now allowed unlimited outdoor exercise as the risk of infection outside the home is significantly lower than inside. Playgrounds and outdoor gyms, however, will remain closed. People cannot meet up with more than one person outside their household and must observe social distancing.

Travellers from abroad coming into the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The second step will begin no sooner than June 1. Cultural and sports events will be allowed to take place behind closed doors for broadcast while avoiding large-scale gatherings. Restrictions on allowing people from different households will be examined and loosened following government consultations with scientific experts. This step will also see a phased return to education, with children able to return to early years settings, and for reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to be back in school in smaller sizes.

The third step will begin no sooner than July 4. At this point the government will aim to reopen hairdressers, beauty salons, pubs, restaurants and places of worship.

This is a road map to recovery and will constantly be under review. Should the cases of COVID-19 increase the Government will be able to return to an earlier step in order to minimise its impact.

I will continue to do all I can to ensure the voices of Truro and Falmouth are heard as we continue on our journey to beat COVID-19.

My team and I are here to help during this crisis. You can email me at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, call me on 0207 2193713 (messages will be picked up), and my website www.cherilynmackrory.org.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thisischerilyn are all regularly updated with matters relating both to the current crisis and other useful news and information. Please do get in touch if you need any help or have questions for me.

Reopening of Schools

I have had a lot of constituents write in concerned at the reopening of schools for some age groups on 1^st June.  

It is extremely important to note that it remains up to the parents as to whether they send their children back to school. They do not have to and will not be fined for choosing to keep their children at home.  

Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate the risk entirely at this stage of the outbreak. However, what is clear is that we are past the peak of the virus and the risk to children is very low.   

The age groups of the children who will be going back to school on 1^st June are at key stages of their development and education. Keeping them out of school for longer could be detrimental to their physical and mental health and for their chances in later life.  

I accept that social distancing will be a challenge. The government is issuing important guidance for schools who are making the necessary plans and changes to ensure that schools can be as safe as possible for the return. Class sizes will be much smaller than before, and these classes will not mix with any other classes and will remain with one teacher for the duration of the school day.  

Good levels of hygiene will of course be encouraged and there will also be testing availability for children and teachers.  

It is also worth noting that the plans for schools is provisional and things may change. These are careful first steps and the timetable for reopening will be delayed if necessary. If the alert level does not allow it then the schools won’t reopen on 1^st June.  

The Prime Minister has said: ‘If there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes’  

The Agriculture Bill

I have had a lot of constituents write to me about the Agriculture Bill which was debated in Parliament on 13^th May.  

Agriculture is extremely important to the Truro and Falmouth constituency and I will always stand up for the interests and needs of our farmers in Westminster.  

Farming and food are key elements of our economy and environment. Our farmers generate over £112 billion a year, employ over 4 million people and provide a secure food system within our shores, feeding the nation and delivering a wide range of environmental and rural community benefits, many  of which are enjoyed far beyond the farm gates.  

The Government has committed the same level of cash funds for farmers until the end of this Parliament which will give our farmers the financial security and stability that they need after Brexit.

Now we have left the EU, we must make the most of this great new opportunity to create a new domestic agricultural policy that will stand the test of time. Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) gives us a chance to move towards an exciting future for farming and I believe that the Bill will make that future a reality.  

The CAP has impeded productivity , stifled innovation in the farming sector and failed to protect the environment. This Bill will reward the hard work of farmers with public money for the ‘public goods’ they produce including enhancing air and water quality, improved access to the countryside, measures to reduce flooding, improving animal welfare and tackling climate change.  

British food is the best in the world, and I share the ambition with many farmers in Truro and Falmouth of growing more, selling more and exporting more. With the focus on supporting productivity, the Agriculture Bill will help the farming sector realise that ambition. I believe that the new system of ‘public money for public goods’ will make it easier for smaller farmers to compete their showcase products on a global setting.  

Regarding New Clauses 1 and 2: 

It is extremely important that people have the confidence in the food that they eat, and I welcomed the Government’s commitment that any future trade agreements must uphold the UK’s high levels of food safety, animal welfare standard and environmental protection.  

The secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss has said regarding a UK-US trade deal: 

‘Our team of negotiators will drive a hard bargain for all British industries and people. We are committed to our red lines – the NHS, the price it pays for drugs and its services are not for sale. There will be no compromise on high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards. It is in the interests of both the UK and US to reach an agreement’ 

She has made clear that she is prepared to walk away from any trade deal that does not work for the UK.  

At this extremely important time in our country’s history it is really important that we do not hinder our fantastic new opportunity to trade with the rest of the world and we cannot begin to impose domestic production standard on food being imported. We don’t do this at present and it could subsequently lead to increased consumer prices at a time when people are already concerned about the impact of coronavirus on the cost of living.  

Therefore, whilst I really applaud the intent of the amendment, I believe that it ultimately would increase consumer prices.  

Many farmers in my constituency are concerned that opening up the markets to imports from the US in particular will disadvantage them but I strongly believe that the UK agriculture sector will greatly benefit from a UK-US trade deal.  

There are clear opportunities for agriculture. This is because food exporters to the US often face high tariffs. For example, the average tariff on British cheese is 17% which means US consumers must pay more, so our quality produce is priced out of the market. With lower tariffs this will benefit lamb, beef and dairy farmers and producers across the UK. This will help level up the UK with our local producers in Truro and Falmouth have access to new markets and opportunities to trade in growing markets.  

Rather than focusing on closing the UK market to imports, we need to be using Brexit as an opportunity to open up a new export market to high quality produce from our farms. This is why I am not supporting the amendments.  

Let me assure you that I remain fully supportive of high food production and quality, environmental welfare standards and environmental standards. 

Something I am actively looking into is improving food labelling. Currently we can see where our fresh food comes from, but I believe that we can do better. I want an improvement to the food labelling and want there to be food miles and CO2 emissions. I want new labelling to be eye catching, easy and promoted locally.  

Campaign Reply - UK-US Trade Deal

UK – US Free Trade Agreement Negotiations 

Whether you were leave or remain I think that it is important to welcome the opportunities that we now have as a result of leaving the European Union.  

As of 5th May the Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss publicly launched free trade negotiations with the US.  

The current round of negotiations will continue for the next 2 weeks. They will be carried out by video conference, ensuring that talks can progress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Talks will continue remotely until it is safe to conduct talks in person.  

An increase in trade is essential if the UK is to overcome the unprecedented economic challenge posed by COVID-19 and new trade agreements are an important part of our long-term economic recovery. Government analysis shows that US trade deal with the US could lead to a £15 billion increase in trade, benefit every region and nation of the UK with a majority of sectors set to benefit including agriculture, automotive, consumer goods such as ceramics and service industries.  

The free trade agreement will aim to secure a far-reaching, comprehensive and mutually beneficial tariff reductions reducing the £493 million worth of tariffs levied on UK exports to the US each year. It will give increased access to the US market for UK businesses, and lower prices and increase choice for UK consumers. The free trade agreement will also enable the UK to protect its interests when threatened by unexpected surges in imports of goods or unfair trading practices, while making the appropriate commitments to transparency, due process and proportionate use of trade remedies. It will also remove trade distorting tariffs.  

During my time as an MP I have had various correspondence from constituents who have expressed concern at the prospect of a UK – US trade deal. The main concern is about food and safety standards. We have some of the best food and safety standards of anywhere in the world. Let me assure you that signing a free trade deal with the US will not see our standards drop and it will not see the government drop its commitments to sustainability and climate change.  

The Secretary of State has said: 

‘Our team of negotiators will drive a hard bargain for all British industries and people. We are committed to our red lines – the NHS, the price it pays for drugs and its services are not for sale. There will be no compromise on high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards. It is in the interests of both the UK and US to reach an agreement, but we will walk away from the negotiating table if the right deal is not on offer’ 

Newspaper column 7 May 2020 - COVID update 8

We are now in the seventh week of lockdown. I am expecting the Government to publish more details of how it plans to start easing the lockdown shortly after the Prime Minister announced last week that we are now past the peak of the pandemic.

However we must balance the need to ease the lockdown with ensuring that we do not get a ‘second wave’ of the virus, which could put us back to square one in terms of dealing with it.

My team and I have been working flat out to support hard-working businesses in Truro and Falmouth during the COVID-19 crisis. I have been pleased to see the Government listening to feedback from me and other MP colleagues and at released additional funding to support businesses who have not been able to access it until now.

Up to an additional £617 million of funding will be made available to local authorities in England to assist with small businesses that have not already been able to access business rates support. This will support many businesses such as those at the Innovation Hub and B&B’s currently not eligible for Business Rates and I look forward to working with them and Cornwall Council to make sure they get this support quickly.

Earlier this week I also welcomed confirmation from the Government at the weekend that hundreds of local business partnerships across England will share £6.1m of funding to spend on projects that will help their local economies through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

This money will be paid to local authorities and dispersed to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). These are local business partnerships that bring developers and communities together to provide local leadership, drive regeneration and deliver projects and additional local services.

We have excellent BIDs in Truro and Falmouth and I was pleased to work with them to make the sensible case for additional funding from the Government at this time. I am delighted that my Ministerial colleagues have listened and know this funding will make a big and positive difference to our town centres. I look forward to seeing the detail of the funding and for it deployed and put to work helping the business communities in our towns.

Finally, tomorrow we will be celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day where we celebrate the day the Allied Powers received the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, ending the European front of the Second World War. We have a Bank Holiday to mark the occasion but due to lockdown all of the public events to celebrate have been cancelled. I hope we will do all our bit in our households to remember the sacrifice so many made so we could live free today, and it is good to see the Blitz Spirit return as our communities continue to rally in a time of adversity. 

Thanks to everyone for your ongoing efforts and until next week, stay safe and stay at home wherever possible!

My team and I are here to help during this crisis. You can email me at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, call me on 0207 2193713 (messages will be picked up), and my website www.cherilynmackrory.org.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thisischerilyn are all regularly updated with matters relating both to the current crisis and other useful news and information. Please do get in touch if you need any help or have questions for me.