This week kicked off with the great news that over 10 million people in the UK have now had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. We remain on track to hit our target of offering all adults a jab by the end of July and I encourage everyone to get the vaccination when offered. Along with the expansion of our repeat testing programme, which now sees over 90% of community pharmacies in England offering free, rapid tests for home use that I would encourage everyone to use as they are really effective in stopping spread, numbers such as these take us closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am sure many people were, like me, strongly opposed to the new Super League proposals for Europe’s top football teams. One thing that has kept a lot of people going throughout this pandemic has been the enjoyment of competitive sport and we are so lucky to have a club like Yeovil Town FC which has stayed so true to its roots and fans throughout its history.
Sport is nothing without real achievement and the last thing we need is an artificial league at the top, so I am glad the big English clubs involved seem to have had second thoughts. In Yeovil we have had our share of successes, disappointments and real hardships but the spirit of the club and its connection to the fans is something that shines through and we are all at this time acutely aware that the football on the pitch is and should be a serious matter.
It was wonderful to have a working lunch with Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Mark Shelford in the sunshine at The George in Crewkerne at the weekend. I hope everyone has similarly been taking the opportunity over the last few days to enjoy some fresh air with Somerset generally resplendent in this fine Spring weather: the Cokers ’sandy lanes dry under foot and dappled with light and the ploughed fields looking beautifully ready for the new season have been a particular pleasure for me.
It was also great to catch up with Stuart the Butcher in West Coker whose incredible steaks and burgers are a prime example of the seriously high standard Somerset can set in local produce, and I would highly recommend paying a visit to anyone able to take advantage of the perfect barbecue weather we are having. I am continuing to look for opportunities to promote the Somerset brand for quality food and drink produced to the highest standards.
This week South Somerset District Council Chief Executive Alex Parmley resigned, I understand to relocate with his family to New Zealand to take on a local government role there, and I wish him all the best. It has been good to work with him on regeneration for Yeovil and Chard and I look forward to working with other officers on these and other projects to level up our area.
As always, if I can be of help or if you would like to contact me on any of these issues please do call 01935314321 or email marcus.fysh.mp@parliament.uk