Interview with Member of Parliament for St Albans - Daisy Cooper

Joining Benjy Potter on the Vibe107.6 Breakfast Show, Member of Parliament for St Albans, Daisy Cooper, discussed the impact of the coronavirus in her constituency

Joining Benjy Potter on the Vibe107.6 Breakfast Show, Member of Parliament for St Albans, Daisy Cooper, discussed the impact of the coronavirus in her constituency.

As everyone adapts to the forever-changing Covid-19 situation, Mrs Cooper explained how her work has been affected.

“The one major change is the volume of enquiries that we are getting,” she said.

“Everyone has been affected by coronavirus in one way or another. We’re getting between 300 and 500 emails a day. My team have set up a new triage system so that if urgent, we can deal with matters instantly.

“As you can imagine, there have been a lot of people stranded abroad, concerned about businesses, it’s been tough.

“The vast majority of people are very good at using Google and they will often come to their MP as a last resort. There are a lot of people in an inverted situation right now and are not sure how to go from day to day. We have had a huge increase in emails and we are doing our best to help people.”

Encouraging people to stay safe and to stay away from Accident and Emergency departments, the St Albans’ MP said:

“St Albans doesn’t have an A and E so the closest is Watford General. Since people have been self-isolating at home, there has been a huge decrease in minor injuries.

“Our minor injuries unit got to the stage where they only had ten people coming in a day so those staff have been re-deployed to Watford General. We are encouraging people to try and stay safe at home and call 111 in a non-emergency.”

Warning Vibe107.6 listeners that breaking laws could put in danger the freedom of everyone, the MP highlighted that:

“In the vast majority of cases, people are really good and abiding by social distancing rules. People are being courteous.

“There are obviously a few exceptions and that is a real problem. It means there is a risk that the government will try to clamp down further.”

Optimistic, Mrs Cooper asked of people to do what they can, praising those in the community who are supporting the NHS and who are helping where they are able to:

“The rainbow trail is so joyful. The lovely pictures in St Albans, children putting up rainbows in their windows, it’s such a wonderful sign of hope and a constant reminder that things will get better and that there are better times ahead of us.

“If people are in the fortunate position where they can help others then I would encourage them to volunteer. If you are in a position to donate money or support then there are very worthy charities. If people are willing to volunteer time or money, then they are some really good causes.”

Concluding the interview by assuring the community that the situation will improve, Cooper said:

“This is a really difficult time and I would just ask everyone to be kind to themselves as well as to each other. The future is uncertain, but we will get through this one way or another.

“My team and I  are doing our best and we are all pitching in.”