Press Releases January 2020 - April 2020
Roger regularly issues press releases about current topics. We have included a selection of them here which we hope will be of interest to you. For the most recent press releases, please click here.
April 28th 2020
The Government has yesterday announced a new scheme for those in need of smaller loans. Businesses can apply for the new Bounce Back Loans up to a maximum of £50,000, or 25% of turnover, with the government paying the interest for the first 12 months. The loans will be available from 9am on Monday and
April 27th 2020
Tomorrow (28th April) I will be participating in a minutes silence at 11am, to pay my respects and to honour all key workers that have sadly lost their lives to COVID-19. If you can, please do join in.
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April 27th 2020
An update from the 5th/6th week in isolation.
We've dealt with 2,889 cases since the start of the pandemic lockdown and I am sure there's more to come. I am still trying to find more help for the Self Employed and for Small Businesses. We still have very
April 26th 2020
Key workers don’t need to travel miles to get tested for CV. If you are having problems e-mail me.
Some key workers have been asked to travel to Greenwich, Ipswich and Portsmouth for Covid 19 tests. That is not acceptable or necessary: there is a test centre in Canterbury.
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April 23rd 2020
I want to say thank you to all of the postmen and women, in North Thanet and nationwide. You have all been working so hard throughout these very difficult times!
The Royal Mail is asking everyone to show their appreciation for their local postie by giving them a ‘thumbs
April 17th 2020
An update from the fourth week in isolation.
It only seems, like yesterday, since I was saying Happy Easter and now another week's gone by and it's been a very busy one, a lot's happened.
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April 17th 2020
WATCH LIVE: #coronavirus press conference (17 April 2020)
Speakers: Alok Sharma, Business Secretary
Yvonne Doyle, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England
Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser
April 17th 2020
I am throwing my weight behind the “Pick for Britain” campaign to recruit a “Land Army” of people to harvest this year`s crops in East Kent
Last autumn fruit was left unpicked and rotting on trees because of a shortage of labour – and that was
April 15th 2020
Today, I'm delighted to see the Government announced that the furlough scheme start date is to be extended to the 19th March. This change will allow thousands more employees to access the scheme.
Until today, the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme only applied to employees on a payroll
April 15th 2020
WATCH LIVE: coronavirus press conference (15 April 2020)
Speakers: Matt Hancock, Health Secretary
Prof Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer
Prof Dame Angela McLean, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser
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April 14th 2020
Royal Crown Derby is launching it’s ‘make a mug, make a difference’ competition which gives children the exclusive opportunity to design a mug that celebrates the NHS. The winning mugs will then be made by Royal Crown Derby Artisans who aim to produce 26,299 mugs, representing and celebrating every day
April 12th 2020
It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life.
The efforts of millions of people across this country to stay home are worth it. Together we will overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past.
April 11th 2020
Speakers: Priti Patel, Home Secretary
Martin Hewitt, National Police Chiefs' Council
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS England
April 9th 2020
Speakers: Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary
Prof Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer
Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Advise
April 13th 2020
Speakers: Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary
Prof Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer
Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser
April 9th 2020
An update from the third week in isolation.
I know it will be a glorious weekend, but please stay in. After 36 years of my life trying to encourage people to come to Herne Bay and Margate to enjoy the seaside, I have had to tell people, I'm sorry but you have to
April 9th 2020
I am pleased to support the BPA’s new website nhs-freeparking.co.uk which will hopefully help NHS staff and critical care workers easily find available free parking close to where they need to be. It is one less thing for these wonderful healthcare workers to worry about and can save time when their focus is on
April 8th 2020
Seakers: Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS England
Prof Angela McLean, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser
April 6th 2020
I along with 15 Kent MPs have signed a letter that has been sent to Kent’s judiciary. The purpose of the cross-party letter is to convey their view that emergency workers deserve protection from those that deliberately cough or spit at emergency workers.
April 6th 2020
No matter your politics, we must come together to pray for Boris Johnson, his family and especially his fiancée, Carrie. I believe that if anyone can fight through this our Prime Minister can.
April 6th 2020
The government is launching a survey to help understand how and where coronavirus is affecting people.
Take part here if you have symptoms
April 6th 2020
WATCH LIVE: #coronavirus press conference (6 April 2020)
Speakers: Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary
Prof Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer (England)
Prof Angela McLean, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser
April 6th 2020
Thanet`s small businesses should receive their £10,000 grants by bank transfer this week (Commencing Tuesday).
However, only those whose bank details are already on TDC records can be paid in this way.
April 5th 2020
An update from the second week in isolation.
(This was recorded on Friday 3rd April).
Please keep safe.
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April 6th 2020
Concerning to hear that the Prime Minister was taken to hospital overnight. I trust that with care from the Health Service he will make a swift and full recovery. This is a harsh reminder that no one is immune to this virus which is why it is important that we all do as Boris has asked - stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
April 5th 2020
WATCH LIVE: coronavirus press conference (5 April 2020)
Speakers:
Matt Hancock, Health Secretary
Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
April 4th 2020
This weekend is predicted to be very warm. As tempting as it might be, please remember we are in a lockdown. Only leave the house if essential or for exercise. Otherwise stay home and save lives.
April 2nd 2020
Sport England has opened a new £20 million Community Emergency Fund to help sports clubs and community sport and physical activity organisations through the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
The Fund has been opened immediately and welcomes applications for grants between £300 and £10,000
March 31st 2020
WATCH LIVE: #coronavirus press conference (1 April 2020)
Speakers: Alok Sharma, Business Secretary
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England
March 31st 2020
WATCH LIVE: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove hosts the coronavirus press conference (31 March 2020)
March 31st 2020
I have signed along with colleagues from across the House a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the creation of a Coronavirus Compensation Scheme.
Those that are working on the frontline and putting their lives on the line deserve to be protected. Just like
March 30th 2020
March 2020: Former Cabinet Minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening, who launched the C-19 Business Pledge with entrepreneur David Harrison, welcomed Sir Roger Gale’s backing for the national scheme encouraging
March 30th 2020
Coronavirus: anyone can get it, anyone can spread it.
Stay home. Protect the NHS.
Save lives.#StayHomeSaveLives
March 30th 2020
WATCH LIVE: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hosts the #coronavirus press conference (30 March 2020)
March 29th 2020
WATCH LIVE: Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, hosts the coronavirus press conference (29 March 2020)
March 28th 2020
WATCH LIVE: Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma hosts the coronavirus press conference (28 March 2020)
March 27th 2020
WATCH LIVE: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove hosts the coronavirus press conference
March 27th 2020
Thanet District Council has set up a dedicated helpline for those who are vulnerable and self-isolating
The line is open from 9am to 5pm, every day of the week, including weekends. By calling the number the Councils dedicated team should be able to put you in contact with the relevant organisations or Council
March 27th 2020
Please see below a helpful explanation regarding the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme
March 26th 2020
The Government has announced a new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme to support those who work for themselves.
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March 26th 2020
Thank you to everyone that went outside to clap for our NHS and all those that are working looking after our vulnerable people! It was amazing to hear everyone come together to support those working so hard for us all #clapforourcarers #clapforNHS
March 26th 2020
WATCH LIVE: Chancellor Rishi Sunak hosts the coronavirus press conference (26 March 2020)
March 25th 2020
During the Covid 19 closure please consider ringing 01843 848588 between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. for assistance.
Your call should be answered promptly and your concerns are likely to receive far quicker attention than by
March 25th 2020
If you are struggling to get a food slot online and you are a vulnerable person then please fill out the form that is on the link below.
If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway.
March 25th 2020
Kent County Council in collaboration with all the local authorities in Kent, has launched a dedicated business support line for COVID19-related issues, delivered by K&M Growth Hub
Call 03333 602 300
March 25th 2020
Further update
All NHS workers and social care staff will be given free car parking during the coronavirus outbreak.
The government will cover the cost to allow NHS trusts and local councils in England to help staff carry out
March 25th 2020
Stagecoach South East has provided an update on changes being made to its bus timetables in response to government restrictions on non-essential travel.
Revised timetables will be in place from Monday 30 March and are now available to view on the company’s
March 25th 2020
Given the circumstances the Secretary of State for Transport is granting an MOT temporary exemption so that if your MOT is due from 30th March 2020 you will automatically receive a SIX-month extension. However, you must still keep your car in a roadworthy condition and garages will remain open if you need
March 25th 2020
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government has announced the following,
"I’ve agreed with local councils in England to provide free car parking for our NHS and social care workers as they fight coronavirus.
March 25th 2020
Important information regarding Hotels & Caravan Parks
Businesses providing holiday accommodation (including hotels, hostels, B&Bs, campsites, caravan parks, boarding houses and short term lets) should now take steps to close for commercial use as quickly as is
March 24th 2020
Today the Government announced a new volunteer scheme to help support the NHS.
We are seeking 250,000 volunteers to help with shopping, with the delivery of medicines, and to support those who are shielded.
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March 24th 2020
I wanted to take this opportunity to reinforce the message that in so far as is possible people self-isolate, stay within family groups, don't mix, don't spread the Coronavirus.
We, in turn, are putting people in touch with those that need help because we're very aware that there are
March 24th 2020
Information- The Businesses and premises that must close or remain closed
Please see the table below that we have made showing the businesses that MUST close. Please pay attention to the right hand column of the table as this lays out the exceptions that some businesses can run
March 23rd 2020
Information regarding vehicle MOTs
Please refer to the guidance below
March 23rd 2020
Please find the full guidance on the measures announced this evening below
Please remember, to stay safe.
March 23rd 2020
Advice on takeaways and deliveries:
These can continue
Please follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing - including not inviting customers inside
March 23rd 2020
From Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Governments-
Advice for the housing, construction & building maintenance industries:
If you can work from home, do so.
March 23rd 2020
Stay at home
You must stay at home, only leaving for the following very limited purposes:
• Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible.
March 23rd 2020
Coronavirus business update
The support measures available to businesses is evolving on a day to day basis. This is a summary of where things stand as of Monday 23rd March 2020.
March 20th 2020
Your e-mails are being received and they are being actioned. Due to high volumes of requests for assistance we are attending to all requests in the order that they are being received. Thank you for your patience – you are not forgotten.
March 20th 2020
Coronavirus travel update: Reduced service timetable
Southeastern is working with the rest of the rail industry to support efforts to delay the spread of Coronavirus and keep services running for essential travel.
March 20th 2020
If you are or know of, a constituent of North Thanet that is self-isolating or house-bound that requires assistance during the Coronavirus pandemic please supply us with your/their- full name and address, email, and telephone number via the email below. We are in the process of putting a register of voluntary groups
March 18th 2020
The Prime Minister, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser have always said that at some point it would be necessary to close education settings to help in the fight to control coronavirus. Alas that point has come and the Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon Gavin Williamson MP, announced in Parliament
March 16th 2020
We are endeavouring to establish a register of voluntary groups that are able to offer assistance to self-isolating and house-bound constituents in North Thanet during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please contact us via the email below with your full details and the area you can cover.
February 28th 2020
Manston Airport is `a vital national asset` that must be given the go-ahead for development immediately says North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale.
“In the light of the judgement on the third runway at Heathrow” says Sir Roger “It is more important than
February 5th 2020
The “Turner”, the new £20 note featuring the Turner Contemporary and Margate Lighthouse, was launched at the House of Commons today. It will be in circulation later in the Spring and I look forward to the day when all MPs will be carrying around a little bit of Margate in their wallets!
January 24th 2020
First, I would like to commend the courage and quiet dignity with which my young constituents, Tom and Sarah Richford, have conducted themselves since the death of their infant son, Harry, and throughout the process since. I have been engaged in this sad case since the family approached me following their loss
