On Monday 6th February, just after four o’clock in the morning, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc across much of southern Turkey and northern Syria. Since then we have observed the horrors of its aftermath on television as the number of casualties continues to rise at a harrowing rate. I am therefore pleased that the UK has announced it is providing urgent equipment to support rescue efforts – meeting the needs of up to 15,000 people. We have also deployed a 77 strong search and rescue team in addition to a world-class medical team to assist on the ground. Readers may wish to donate to the U.K. Government supported Disasters Emergency Committee.
I was present when both Houses of Parliament were last week addressed by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in only his second trip abroad since the start of Russia’s war against his country. We heard from Mr Zelenskyy of the perils facing Ukraine’s bravest, in the trenches under endless Russian artillery fire, defending their country in the sky from Russian fighter jets, or fighting their aggressors on the frontlines in tanks. It was plain to see Mr Zelenskyy’s raw determination to protect his country’s freedom and I am proud of the global leadership the UK took in the important early days in supporting the defence of Ukraine.
Closer to home, I understand the frustration of residents over the proliferation of potholes caused by the unusual ‘freeze-and-thaw’ weather we experienced this winter. Some are remarkably deep. Having raised this with the leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Highways, I know that very substantial efforts are being undertaken to fix reported potholes. But that is the key thing: they must be reported! The County Council doesn’t have eyes everywhere, so please do report potholes via my website: andrewgriffithmp.com/potholes
