High Peak MP calls on communities to pull together to help re-start the economy

I understand how the lockdown has been an incredibly difficult time for local businesses and high streets.

As more shops re-open, we have a chance to pull together as a community to help restart the local economy.

Last week, I launched my High Peak Shop Local campaign.

We’re incredibly lucky to have lots of brilliant local high streets in the High Peak and I will be doing my best to support them all.

Last week we got the good news that the joint bio-security centre has reduced the UK Covid-19 alert level from level four to level three.

Through our combined efforts, we have made real progress against this virus.

However, re-opening the economy does not mean ending social distancing and it is only by following the rules that we can ensure that we hold onto these gains and keep the virus under control.

Next month, we will be entering the next phase of the Government’s roadmap to recovery as more parts of the economy re-open.

While this gradual reopening is happening, I am still pushing the Government to provide advice and support for the tourism and hospitality sectors in High Peak.

In a meeting with the tourism minister, I made the case for backing spa businesses, local canals, and the caves and caverns around the Peak District.

It is essential that there is still a safety net for businesses badly hit by the pandemic in the months ahead.

Defeating the virus cannot come at the cost of irreversibly reducing people’s life chances, and financial struggle takes a very real and heavy toll on people’s physical and mental health.

The Government has a tightrope to walk to balance between re-opening the economy and preventing a second peak and it will not be easy.

We have made steady progress, but much more has to be done.

Although we must continue to follow the rules, we can and should start to enjoy the freedoms that have been restored and to help our neighbours to recover from this crisis.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.