Congratulations to Frugi (clothing company based in Helston) for receiving two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise on Tuesday. These are awarded for sustainable development and international trade. It has been years since I first visited Frugi shortly after their expansion into Helston and they continue to demonstrate that it is possible to be successful in business without compromising a commitment to sustainable and ethical standards. I know a little of how hard the journey has been and the current lockdown must test the company more than anything previously. Government must monitor closely the need to provide additional support to all business for as long as the measures to control the spread of coronavirus are maintained.
It is vital that our health and care frontline staff have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and there has been an obvious concern across Cornwall regarding supplies. It was confirmed (on Tuesday) by senior figures in Cornwall that adequate numbers of PPE arrived this week including a quarter of a million face masks. I quote ‘that no organisation in need of PPE has been denied it’. The truth is that PPE is used at a tremendous rate so it is imperative that supplies keep coming and this was a discussion I had with Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week.
Late last week the Government announced a £10m support package for the fishing industry. This is vital as the industry here in West Cornwall has been devastated. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for vessel owners across the next 3 months, banded by vessel size, plus additional funding support for selling catch locally. I meet regularly with local fishermen and fishing leaders and this is very welcome news for the industry. It is also good news for Seafood Cornwall’s #FishToYourDoor initiative which has already connected over 1500 people to local fish merchants here in Cornwall. With the nation staying inside during this outbreak and disruptions to regular supply chains, we can support local fishermen as well as getting our intake of essential vitamins (including vitamin D) by eating locally sourced fish.
Farming is also in a desperate place and as MPs across England, we continue to work with farming representatives and press Government to provide some tailored relief to our dairy and beef farmers. Again can I urge everyone to prioritise buying British at least during the coronavirus outbreak.
Access to urgent dental care: You will find on my website greater information about what to do if you need urgent dental care. Dental hubs are being set up in existing dental practices across the South West. If you have a dentist you should contact them for a referral. If you do not, contact the Cornwall team on 0330 405 0290 or email [email protected]. Call NHS111 for out of hours.
Thank you for sticking to the social distancing regime. Cornwall has relatively low cases of coronavirus and Scilly has none known. We want to keep it this way and the Government will not consider lifting the lockdown restrictions until it is clear that we have overcome this dreadful disease. Let’s all stick with it!
