The local MP writes:

On Sunday, around 24 million people in the United Kingdom watched the Queen deliver a televised speech in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Throughout her sixty-eight year long reign, she has only ever spoken on television to the nation on four occasions excluding her Christmas speeches. This undoubtedly highlights the seriousness of the situation that we face.

In her address, Her Majesty articulated her sympathy for those who have lost friends and family to the virus. She acknowledged the loneliness of many, the disruption and the challenge felt by everybody experiencing the lockdown and paid tribute to all NHS staff and carers who are working tirelessly to help those affected. After encouraging people to continue to stay at home she said: "that the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country" and importantly, "...those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any."

The Queen's words, compassionate, astute and temperate, were broadcast at a point where there is so much fear and uncertainty in the world, made all the more poignant by the Prime Minister's illness. I know that many people were grateful for her calm resolution, encouragement and praise and it is during crises such as the one we are dealing with that we truly appreciate how lucky we are to have a monarchy. The Queen's wisdom, consistency and experience offer a level of unparalleled comfort and hope to so many during these unprecedented times.

If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office: [email protected] or please visit my website: www.jacobreesmogg.com. Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.