Evesham’s MP Nigel Huddleston writes for the Observer….
THE LAST few weeks, the weather might not have been behaving quite as we would’ve liked, but it’s great to see many locals enjoying the great outdoors as well as the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants. Our vaccine roll-out continues, and we’ve now vaccinated over 65 per cent of the adult population.
In my ministerial capacity, as many of you can probably imagine, one of the big issues in the last few weeks was the proposals for a European Super League. It was a significant moment of unity with most stakeholders and political parties condemning these proposals which went against fans’ wishes and ultimately undermined the dynamic and competitive nature of the beloved game. I’ve had several discussions with fans, football authorities and clubs and have been in close contact with former sports minister, Tracey Crouch MP, as we start the fan-led review of football.
There’s been more positive news for fans of sports – and of live music, theatre and entertainment – as we have started our Events Research Programme. This involves holding pilot events including football matches to the world snooker championship, music events and a business conference, to test how we reopen large events safely in the coming months.
Locally, many of you will know that St George’s Day also marked the start of asparagus season. With the Vale of Evesham being the home of British asparagus, I would encourage constituents to make the most of the short season and buy asparagus and other amazing local produce on offer!
Elsewhere, whilst also travelling the breadth of the constituency and region for the local elections, I’ve been able to get out and about more and visited the Droitwich Golf Club and the Gaudet Luce golf and other leisure facilities that have reopened across the constituency. I also met with the Ranch Caravan Park team and discussed Covid-safety measures and the reopening of the travel and tourism sector in general.
There is a definite sense of optimism as we head towards the next stage of easing restrictions and I’m hopeful the weather might start to cooperate, enabling us all to take advantage of greater flexibility and also welcome visitors again to our beautiful part of the world
