THE LABOUR MP for St Helens North has pledged his support to the government as the UK braces itself for the full impact of the coronavirus.
Conor McGinn said there was no place for party politics in the current climate, saying it was going to take a “truly national effort”.
And he vowed to support the government in doing “whatever it takes” to protect the public from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
READ > St Helens Town Hall weddings not being cancelled 'at the moment'
“This is a truly national effort and one which requires everyone to pull together,” Mr McGinn said.
“There are no party politics in this.
“The government will have my support in doing whatever it takes to get the country and our people, especially here in St Helens, through the time ahead.”
Mr McGinn, who was re-elected in December’s general election, welcomed the “unprecedented measures” announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak earlier this week.
The Chancellor unveiled a £350bn financial package to help protect the economy from the coronavirus.
These include £330bn in loans, £20bn in other aid, grants for retailers and pubs and a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
The Chancellor said “never in peacetime have we faced an economic fight like this one” and promised to go further if the current package was not enough.
“The Chancellor is right to say that this is a public health and an economic emergency, and I welcome the unprecedented measures announced so far,” Mr McGinn said
“I know this is a particularly challenging time for hospitality, leisure, entertainment and retail sector.
“Our local pubs, cafés, shops and restaurants will need direct financial assistance including through grants, tax breaks and loan schemes.
“I have also had confirmation that the cost of measures to suspend business rates will be met by central government and not local authorities, meaning that frontline services won’t lose that vital revenue.
“St Helens Council will also need much more financial support from government in the coming weeks and months to meet increased demand.”
Mr McGinn said working families will need to hear more on how their financial security will be protected.
Renters need similar assurances that they will be protected during these precarious times, he said.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Boris Johnson said the government will bring forward emergency legislation to protect private renters from eviction.
This was after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged the Prime Minister to protect private renters in “the interests of public health”.
“While homeowners will welcome the announcement that they can apply for mortgage relief, we need guarantees for renters too,” Mr McGinn said.
“The lower earnings limit on statutory sick pay eligibility must be scrapped so that every worker is entitled to payments, and the government must work with trade unions to extend the scheme.
READ > Arriva bus services in St Helens to be reduced
“There must be similar support arrangements made for those who are self-employed, including many of our local tradesmen, construction workers, taxi drivers, cleaners, beauticians and musicians.
“Everyone’s priority is of course ensuring our NHS gets whatever it needs, fast. It’s vital that frontline health and social care staff have access to the proper protective equipment and testing, and we need more ventilators and more beds.
“I expect to hear further measures introduced in the coming days.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here