In My View: Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall

This month marks two years since I have had the immense privilege of serving as your Member of Parliament in Vauxhall.

It is safe to say that the world looks quite different now to what it did then, just a few short months before the Covid-19 crisis began.

The ensuing pandemic continues to test us all, but the remarkable resilience, compassion and community sprit of Vauxhall has endured throughout.

Over the course of this year it has been great to be able to visit so many of the small businesses, schools, charities and public services that have kept my constituency thriving in challenging circumstances.

I pay special tribute to our key workers across the NHS, social care, supermarkets, postal industry and so many others who have worked tirelessly around the clock to deliver the essential services we all rely on.

Teachers and school support staff have also done a remarkable job to continue educating young people throughout closures and restrictions.

We must make sure the efforts of all key workers are recognised with proper pay and job security.

I am proud to represent my home community in Parliament, and I continue to work hard on your behalf.

This year my office has helped more than 8,700 constituents with their queries, and I have raised many of these issues with ministers and local authorities so that problems can be solved wherever possible.

But in Vauxhall and across the UK, people deserve better than this Government.

In truth, it can be frustrating to be an opposition MP with limited ability to prevent some of the damaging policies the Prime Minister is pursuing.

The Christmas period is a reminder of the importance of common humanity, generosity of spirit, and empathy towards others.

These are the values of the country I know all year round, and they should be reflected in our politics.

Sadly, this is too often not the case at the moment and many of the most vulnerable in society are suffering as a result.

From the recent cuts to Universal Credit which failed to recognise the perilous impacts of the pandemic on low-income families, to the shameful response to the deaths in the Channel of those fleeing war-torn countries, and the millions still left living in unsafe buildings more than four years on from Grenfell, this Government is asleep at the wheel.

Please be assured that as your MP, I will continue to oppose these damaging policies at every turn and stand up for the compassionate values that define Vauxhall.

I know that many people will be feeling anxious and deflated as we face a second Christmas impacted by Covid, in light of the new Omicron variant.

This is also a concerning time for many local businesses who were relying on a busy Christmas after the difficulty of the last couple of years.

The Chancellor must urgently take action to support them through this period.

Cases are unfortunately worryingly high across London and will likely rise further in the coming weeks.

The vaccine represents our best defence against this threat, and it is particularly important to get your booster jab if you are eligible.

It is safe and effective, and you can get it for free without needing an appointment. More information on this is available on the NHS website or at your local GP surgery.

I wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas, and a prosperous start to 2022.