Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border, paid tribute to the NHS, care workers and local community groups in his speech during the Covid-19 debate on Tuesday 12th May. In this unique hybrid Parliament, this was the first ever virtual speech representing Penrith and The Border.
Dr Hudson also thanked all those who have come together in Cumbria to support the local communities and offered his condolences and prayers to all those who have lost loved ones during this crisis.
Dr Hudson welcomed the unprecedented support measures that the Government has put in place during this crisis and commended the Government for listening his feedback and requests and adapting the support schemes so that more people can benefit from them.
Dr Hudson said “I pay tribute to all those in the frontline in our NHS and the care sector who have been working tirelessly to look after people and to keep us safe. Also, I would like to thank the key workers who have kept society going, be it in looking after children, supporting our food supply lines or working in our vital public services.”
“It is important that support is there and targeted at businesses that may be slower to recover such as in the tourism and hospitality sectors, areas so important for Cumbria”. The MP expressed his gratitude over Government’s extension of the business grants to include bed and breakfasts and for DEFRA introducing the dairy hardship fund.
Highlighting the importance of the farming industry, food production and security in the constituency, Dr Hudson MP called for more security over the future of Newton Rigg College in Penrith.
“It is absolutely critical that Government works with local stakeholders to try to secure a viable and sustainable future for this important educational institution. Now more than ever we must look after colleges like Newton Rigg that play such a big role in supporting our vital farming industry and providing important career options for our local communities.”
