As I write, my thoughts are with our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, as he spends time in hospital with coronavirus (COVID-19).

From princes to prime ministers, this virus does not discriminate. That is why it is essential we all follow the Government’s rules: stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

I am having continued discussions with local and national government on this fast-moving situation, and the range of measures in place to support people, businesses and the NHS. In a sign of the scale of the response, ExCeL London has been transformed into the NHS Nightingale Hospital.

My thanks as well to the companies based in Crawley who are working to ensure increased production of ventilators for the NHS to treat COVID-19 patients. I am also grateful for Gatwick Airport’s contribution in providing use of their long-stay car park as a drive-through testing centre. This is initially for use by NHS staff and invited key workers on an appointment-only basis.

I know that many people are wondering when the lockdown will end. The Government are being guided by the science. The best way we can ensure this happens as soon as possible is to stay at home.

This Easter my admiration and thanks will be with all the workers spending this time with their patients and for our community, as our country gets through this pandemic. I wish for all in Crawley the most healthy and happy holiday possible under the circumstances.

Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
[email protected]
www.henrysmith.info