JILL MORTIMER: Roadmap remains cautious - we must not go backwards!

I was delighted to welcome Robert Jenrick MP to our town this week - it is clear we share the same vision for Hartlepool This investment is aimed at regenerating the town centre while providing people with skilled work. Most importantly, it demonstrates the initiation of levelling up in the town, giving young people a host of reasons to make Hartlepool the base for their careers.

I am sure that local people who were anxiously anticipating the unlocking of the Covid ‘Roadmap’- planned for the 21st of June - were disappointed when the lifting of restrictions was pushed back until 19th July. I completely sympathise with businesses who were relying on this date in order to reopen fully to the public. However, we have made huge amounts of progress as a nation thanks to the unquestionable success of our vaccine programme, and the efforts of each individual in following government guidance and getting jabbed. This success is why the government continues to scrutinise each step in the progression of covid regulations; we must not go backwards.

The roadmap has always, and will continue to be cautious and irreversible - I am hopeful that the economy will gradually be further unlocked, with even more businesses able to function as freely and fully as possible.

As ever, the first priority of the government is to protect public health and the NHS. Everyone can help this process, by continuing to tackle the virus, remembering Hands-Face-Space, and getting vaccinated as soon as an appointment is offered. We must all carry on following this advice to help make our communities safer and to ensure all sectors and industries can open as soon as possible.

My next surgery will be held on the 2nd of July - if you wish to make an appointment or need to contact me in the meantime please email me on [email protected]