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Last week's flooding was a:- "reminder of the climate emergency we face"

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson has spoke out against the new Rimrose Valley Road and asked for more action on flood risk during a debate on the Environment Bill in the House of Commons. Mr Esterson said there should be a new rail link from the Port of Liverpool to improve air quality for those living nearby. Mr Esterson supported new clauses and amendments on air quality, on independence for the newly formed Office of Environmental Protection and on safeguards for environmental commitments.

Mr Esterson said in the Commons debate via video link, on Tuesday, 26 January 2021:- "Last week my constituents were given a salutary reminder of the very real threat we face from the climate and ecological emergency that Parliament declared just 18 months ago, we faced the worst floods potentially in living memory, with water levels over a metre higher than ever previously recorded. We were saved because the River Alt burst its banks demolishing an embankment over a 30 metre stretch using the flood plain rather than flooding 500 or so properties, in Maghull, in my constituency. And that's one of the reasons why new clause 9 is so important. Anyone with duties under the Bill must comply with environmental objectives. We were lucky on flooding last week, but we may not be next time. It's a good example. Red squirrels, looked after by the National Trust, in Formby, also within my constituency, desperately need the intervention of my honourable friend's new Clause 5. Local action in supporting them is no substitute for wider action on habitat and on species. It's a very important step that is needed. And I come to air quality and the importance of the amendments on that subject. The Government wants to build a port access road to the Port of Liverpool. People living near the Port of Liverpool have some of the lowest life expectancy in the country, living 10 years less than those just 2 miles away. We heard earlier that 40,000 people a year die because of poor air quality, so why do we not have a system in Government where everybody plays their part including the Dept for Transport. We're not building new roads to improve transport in isolation. But we're taking account of air quality and protecting people, and the effect on the climate as well. There should be a rail link and that's the third element in my constituency that brings to life what this bill means in practice. And all 3 of them in common indicate why the Office for Environmental Protection must have teeth, to be able to intervene across Government. It can't be that there are so called guidance's from the Secretary of State, that intervene and interfere and dilute the effectiveness. There is so much that is needed on these areas. I gave 3 examples just from my constituency. There are so many more. We must pass these amendments, this must go on the statute book quickly and for this country, my constituents and the world, we must have the intervention now."

The Environment Bill covers a wide range of new duties and legal requirements. These include providing for:- environmental targets, environmental principles and a new environmental watchdog; changes and new legal requirements covering air pollution, water resources, water management and quality, waste and recycling, biodiversity, nature recovery and conservation covenants.

Mr Esterson said:- "We are in a climate and ecological emergency. Wildlife in Britain is on a downward spiral with 44% of species in decline over the last ten years. We must maintain the highest standard of environmental standards. This Bill does little to help, replacing the EU's comprehensive framework of environmental protections with 4 simple long term targets which the Secretary of State has near complete discretion to change at any time. The Government is doing all it can to resist concrete protections leaving our environment as a bargaining chip for new trade agreements that would undercut Britain's environmental standards. Changes to REACH chemical regulation will give Ministers complete discretion over its design and scope, opening the door to people and animals being exposed to increased levels of chemical pollutants. The Government is ducking its responsibilities by ensuring that any legally binding targets will not bite for nearly 2 decades. This Bill is the Government's 1st opportunity to bring in equivalent standards to those in EU regulations. We need to secure strong environmental protections for our country and the world."

New clause 9 (in line with the aims of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill) provides that anyone with duties under the Bill must comply with an environmental objective to achieve and maintain biodiversity, support for human health and well being and sustainable use of resources; and with specified environmental commitments that have been made by the Government, including:- the UN Leaders' Pledge for Nature of September 2020, and under the Climate Change Act.

Amendment 25 would set parameters on the face of the Bill to ensure that the PM2.5 (particulate matter) target for air quality will be at least as strict as the 2005 WHO guidelines, with an attainment deadline of 2030 at the latest.

Amendment 23 would delete clause 24, which was added by the Government in Committee to allow the Secretary of State to give guidance to the Office of Environmental Protection. Deleting this clause is important to ensure the independence of the OEP

Labour and Mr Esterson also supported Amendment 39 which would place requirements on Ministers to allow Parliamentary scrutiny of exemptions granted to allow plant protection products banned under retained EU law (such as neonicotinoid pesticides), where they are likely to impact bees and other species covered by an environmental improvement plan.

In remembrance of the 100,000 lives lost to Covid19

RESPONDING to the latest Coronavirus data showing more than 100,000 people in the UK have died from Covid19 within 28 days of receiving a positive test result, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "This tragic milestone is a heartbreaking reminder of how many people have lost their lives to this dreadful disease and the terrible toll it has placed on family and friends. The lives they lived should be remembered and we should never forget that behind every statistic is somebody's life taken too soon. We must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this deadly virus. Infection rates are showing some hopeful signs of falling in some areas, but still remain far too high, with our health and social care services working under severe pressures. Vaccination uptake remains encouraging and will be our ultimate route out of this crisis and return to a more normal way of life. Every 1 of us, now more than ever, has a duty to get ourselves tested when needed, self isolate if positive and share our contacts on request. It is also absolutely vital that people keep washing their hands, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing."

Appeal in Liverpool over highest ever number of potential plasma donors

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Liverpool hitting the 28 day COVID recovery mark to register as plasma donors. People can only donate 28 days after they've recovered, so the number of potential donors is now at the highest ever level following the national record number of cases over the New Year. Nearly 15,000 people in Liverpool have already registered to donate convalescent plasma after having Coronavirus. The antibody rich plasma of people who've had the disease might save the lives of people who struggle to develop their own immune response to the virus.

Professor Dave Roberts, Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation, at NHSBT, said:- "More people than ever can help; the time to donate is now. We especially need donations from people in Liverpool who've had Hospital care. Men who had Hospital care are around 6 times more likely to have the high antibody levels which might save lives."

NHSBT is collecting plasma for new trials for older people or those with cancer to treat them early in the course of the infection. More than 1500 donations have been taken at Liverpool's Donor Centres. Plasma donation was paused then restarted last week as 2 trials of plasma use in Hospital went into analysis. They reported no overall benefit but analysis is ongoing for benefit in subgroups. Further trials are exploring early use of plasma, before people are Hospitalised. Antibodies stop the virus, they don't treat the organ damage it causes, so research is now focusing on earlier use.

Prof Roberts added:- "We have completed two trials and analysis is ongoing. We now need to collect plasma for further planned clinical studies. We're particularly looking at high risk groups such as the elderly and people with cancer. Donations are vital to the ongoing lifesaving research, which gives us a better understanding of how we can best treat patients with Covid19 and help prevent deaths in the future."

Donations are being taken at NHSBT's 23 blood Donor Centres and a further 20 pop up Plasma Donor Centres. Donation takes about 45 minutes. Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and donated antibodies. All donations are tested for Coronavirus antibodies. Men, black and Asian people, and people aged over 35, are more likely to have the high antibody levels needed for donation. Nationally, more than 300,000 people have offered to donate and more than 60,000 donations have been taken. People can register to donate online at:- NHSBT.NHS.UK.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 20,089 cases and the total number now stand at:- 3,689,746 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:-1,631 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 100,162, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 103,602.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 37,561. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 4,032 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 3,341.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,225,301 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 507,932 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 42,163 confirmed cases.
261

► Halton, 10,224 confirmed cases.
85

► Knowsley, 14,979 confirmed cases. 110

► Sefton, 20,405 confirmed cases.
135

► St. Helens, 13,914 confirmed cases.
139

► Wirral, 21,150 confirmed cases.

115

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 15,259 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 15,348 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 21,007 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 14,470 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 17,224 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 17,971 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 81,637 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 44,417 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 19,547 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 11,067 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 17,751 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 19,154 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 16,858 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 14,813 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 13,934 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 15,071 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 24,274 confirmed cases..

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

6,853,327 472,446

Jab Stats correct as of 25 January 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both vaccines are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.8 to 1 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -4% to -1%, as of 22 January 2021.

Previous 24hr Data

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