This week I’ve written to all the care staff of our nursing homes across the constituency thanking them for all they are doing to protect and look after the elderly residents they have in their care.

I know during this crisis that many of them will have family responsibilities and personal caring duties on top of their work responsibilities. On behalf of our whole community I send them our thanks and admiration for the selfless work they are doing.

Some staff may have underlying medical needs, and some will have to take time off to self-isolate, adding increased pressure on their teams. Some may be struggling to maintain a supply of PPE or be worried about maintaining a food supply. If so, I’ll do all I can to assist you in getting what you need.

Above all, I want everyone to know that what the nursing home staff are doing is hugely valued. I hope that when all this is over, society may recognise more clearly the inter-dependence we have on one another and show its appreciation by better remunerating those performing essential caring roles.

I was very touched by the Queen’s Speech on Sunday. It demonstrated to me the important role that those more senior in age have to play – their experience of challenging times, their guidance and wisdom is so needed. It was touching to hear her reminisce about the first broadcast she made, in 1940, with her sister. As children, they spoke as she did on Sunday at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety. “Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.” I’m sure we all look forward to the time when we can all meet again.

Fleetwood Together is an organisation which includes representatives from local groups including Healthier Fleetwood, West View Community Centre, Fleetwood Trust, The Fisherman’s Mission, Mustard Seed and churches. The group is co-ordinating Fleetwood’s response to the Coronavirus crisis. If you need support during this time, please call 01253 774313.

The food bank team are particularly in need of rice, pasta, packet noodles, tinned food, UHT milk, cereals and other non-perishable items. If you can donate please call 07889133445 or email shaun.macneill@westviewcommunity.org.uk.

The team is also very concerned that it doesn’t have enough money to buy the food they need to meet the need of families in Fleetwood. They have created a Go Fund Me page for anyone who would like to donate money. If you can spare a few pounds please check out the page here https://www.gofundme.com/f/feeding-fleetwood-together.

At the time of writing the Prime Minister has been taken into intensive care at a London hospital. I am sure I speak for us all when I say our thoughts and best wishes are with the Prime Minister and we all wish him a swift and full recovery. It is a stark reminder that this virus can affect anyone, young or old, rich or poor, including Prime Ministers. This is why staying at home is so important. If you do not need to leave home, stay at home. Yes, it’s frustrating and difficult but by staying at home you are saving lives and protecting our NHS. The staff at Blackpool Victoria are doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances and I’d like to thank them all for the care and dedication.

Finally I’m delighted to have been asked by the new Labour leader Keir Starmer to serve in his new Shadow Cabinet, continuing with my brief to support young people and address how to engage effectively with the voters. It’s an honour to continue to serve during a new chapter in our party’s history.