When this column first appeared in 2015, we thought ‘In the House’ would be a good title to show what goes on inside Parliament. Never did I think that it would refer to MPs participating in Parliament ‘in their House’. This has been the virtual order for the week as Parliament returned from Easter.

Local MP, Huw Merriman, has this week called on the Government and Train Operators to give a better deal to rail passengers seeking refunds for journeys cancelled by the Coronavirus outbreak.

It’s important that those who need hospital treatment for reasons other than Coronavirus still seek the treatment and not leave it too late. 

The start of my week was dominated by getting more PPE and essential supplies to our local care homes and the agencies who provide social care work. 

My weekly call with our Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner of Sussex Police shows that reported crime in Sussex is down by 20 to 30%.

Over the coming days, a new Coronavirus testing centre will open in Bexhill to test front line workers from the NHS and other services. 

I must start by thanking those who work on the Coronavirus front-line across our hospitals, care sector, shops and communities to deliver the care and essential services which we are still receiving in Rother and Wealden. You are all truly amazing.

As you would expect, the Coronavirus epidemic rightly dominated the week in Westminster. We’ve rushed through legislation to ensure that our health, care and other essential public workers have the extra flexibility they now need to do their job.

During Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Home Department I asked what recent steps the Department had taken to protect shop workers and owners from violence and crime. 

Watch here.

The Minister for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse)

Local MP. Huw Merriman, spoke of the importance of the rural economy to his Bexhill and Battle constituency during a visit to a local farm in Battle last Friday.