As we approach the second full week of the national lockdown, the news of a second Covid vaccine in the US, which shows similar results to the Pfeizer vaccine, is yet another exciting advancement and important step to tackle coronavirus.
In other news, it has been pleasing to see the Prime Minister set out his ‘green plan’ to tackle climate change and enhance the economy through an investment of around £4billion.
The focus on creating of jobs as part of the ‘green revolution’ will go a long way to deliver on the Government’s election manifesto commitment of achieving net zero by 2050.
I am extremely passionate about this and the fact that this time next year we will host the COP26 UN Summit in Glasgow will allow us to really focus on making a difference globally after what has been a very challenging 2020.
Parts of the 10-point plan which stand out are the focus on electric vehicles – where the phasing out of the sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be completed by 2030 as we all transition the use of electric vehicles – as well as making cycling and walking more attractive ways of travel.
Somerset County Council has this week been handed more than £400,000 as part of two phases of funding to work on projects in the area to enhance both walking and cycling.
I am very much looking forward to working closely with the Council to ensure the money is used effectively to benefit as many people here in Somerset as possible.
In what has been such a tough time for this country, we must look to the future to protect our planet and work together to tackle climate change and emerge prosperous from this Covid crisis on a local, national, and international level.
