WYCOMBE MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers this week:

It has been another busy week in Westminster and the constituency. I am glad the Prime Minister has announced more of the lockdown restrictions will be lifted next week. Thanks to the efforts and sacrifice of the British people, coronavirus is being brought under control and we are now meeting the government’s five tests needed for the safe reopening of parts of our economy.

I know many will be happy two households will be able to meet, allowing people to see friends and family more easily. It will be good news for those of us with faith that places of worship will open for prayer and services. Many will also be delighted hairdressers will be reopening, as will libraries, cinemas, playgrounds, restaurants and pubs. The government will publish detailed guidance on distancing and cleaning protocols to help venues to reopen safely. I hope people support our local hospitality businesses as they reopen – they are so vital to Wycombe’s life, economy and jobs.

I am aware some constituents are anxious about moving out of lockdown and I can understand why. I hope people will gain confidence, especially as the numbers contracting Covid-19 fall. The council has confirmed it will continue to support those who are clinically vulnerable and shielding and will work with them to readjust back to normal life. The Prime Minister has been clear the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control. The government will keep measures under review.

Locally, I was delighted to join the 2nd Windrush Day celebrations held online last Sunday. We talked about the people who chose to make High Wycombe their home and celebrated Caribbean culture. It was inevitable the Black Lives Matter campaign was in our minds.

As I said in the Commons this week, I am proud of the Windrush generation and their descendants here in Wycombe and I’m increasingly aware that we all need to do more to make real our commitment to the moral, legal and political equality of all people.