OUR GREEN AND PLEASANT SHIRES ARE A TRUE MANUFACTURING HEARTLAND 29th May 2020

Towards the end April I wrote about the 'rough beast' whose hour had come, or in other words Covid-19; a beast that has continued to make its devastating impact on our lives, communities and economy.

Another month on and the devastation continues with the UK reporting the highest coronavirus death rate ahead of the US, Italy, Spain and Belgium. In a report, 28th May, the FT states the UK registered 59,537 more deaths than usual (or excess deaths) since the week ending March 20, suggesting that the virus had directly or indirectly been responsible for the deaths of 891 people per million. At this stage of the pandemic, it's a higher rate of death than in any other country. According to the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, excess deaths are a 'key metric' and the best way to compare countries' performance in handling infectious diseases. Jonathan Ashworth, Labour Shadow Health Secretary, has stated that the UK was 'too slow into lockdown, off the pace on testing and PPE, and too slow to protect our care homes'.

I am sure many of you have found yourselves confused and somewhat frustrated by the recent revelations that Dominic Cummings visited his family, while experiencing symptoms, in County Durham. We have sent the following letter to our MP, Harriet Baldwin, to voice our concerns and ask for support in calling for his resignation.

The community of Pershore have been praised for coming together to produce much-needed protective equipment and hand sanitiser for frontline workers as well as donating and delivering food during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Dan Boatright, who represents Pershore on Wychavon District Council, helped deliver equipment and care packages. He said: "The past six weeks have really shown the best of Pershore. "Whether sewing masks, undertaking shopping trips for those in need, or donating food and materials to those who need it, it has been humbling to work with so many like-minded people, making sure we are all safe during this difficult time. I have met so many amazing people as I have been on delivering duty. A special thank you has to go to the great people keeping the volunteer centre operational, our fantastic carers and key workers who are ensuring we are safe, well and fed. "

By Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Director of the Institute for Design & Economic Acceleration, IDEA, at Birmingham City University and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Brexit Studies. She is also Mayoral Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in the West Midlands and holds the Economic Development portfolio on Malvern Hills District Council.