Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has spoken of her immense pride in Wolverhampton as she paid tribute to volunteers and frontline workers in a House of Commons debate on the coronavirus.
Speaking in the debate on Monday (11th May) via video link from Wolverhampton, she said: “I have been immensely proud of the people of Wolverhampton over the past few weeks. We will get through this crisis because of their kindness, resilience and determination. This is a time not for politics but for pragmatism. To everyone who has come together to help our city: thank you”
As well as paying tribute to the staff at New Cross Hospital and those working in adult social care, she also thanked the hundreds of volunteers across Wolverhampton North East who have been helping neighbours and vulnerable people through the crisis.
In particular, she mentioned the Ashmore Inn pub in Ashmore Park which has set up a food bank, as well as the Women and Families Resource Centre in Park Village. Church groups, gurdwaras and mosques across Wolverhampton have also been doing their bit to help, whether by raising money for charity or delivering practical help in the community.
Jane called for a national event next year to remember the victims of coronavirus, and highlighted some groups that are already planning memorial events Wolverhampton, such as the Wolverhampton Caribbean Community Memorial Trust. She said: “Coming together to mourn the loss of a loved one and celebrate their life is an important part of the grieving process. Many of my constituents would like a national event next year so that we can remember the victims of coronavirus, and I would support that request so that we can join together as a nation in an act of remembrance.”
Jane also spoke about the financial hardships that many businesses and workers in Wolverhampton are now facing. She said: “Unemployment was already high in Wolverhampton North East, and our local high streets were struggling. I know that the Government are still determined to level up across our country, and I hope that extra consideration and thought will be given to constituencies such as mine, where the economic effects of covid-19 will hit hard. I thank the Chancellor for the wide range of measures to support businesses and self-employed people at this time.
“I am grateful to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street for his determination to fight for business in the Black Country and to help our economic recovery across the West Midlands. I would also ask local people to get out and support our businesses as soon as they safely reopen.”
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