WINDSOR MP Adam Afriyie looks ahead this week to moving towards ‘normality’ again. He writes;

I am thankful that life is moving on since the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Yet it will still be some time before life, as we know it, returns to something resembling normality.

This week we have seen a further easing of the lockdown rules.

On Monday shops resumed trading provided they are able to follow the current 2m social-distancing rules.

The Government has been committed to alleviating the hardship faced by our high street retailers as quickly as it can.

The unprecedented level of financial support for our high street businesses is to be very much welcomed, but we all know that it is no substitute for the paying customers who drive our economy and underpin so many livelihoods.

It is therefore no surprise that the chancellor has this week urged people to get out there and visit their high street shops.

We are on the brink of a major economic recession, but unlike the 2008 crisis there is much we can all do to alleviate the economic shock and help local businesses.

So, to everyone across Bracknell, and the entire constituency, I urge you to venture out to your local businesses if you feel it’s safe to do so.

It has also been good to see some children return to school. I’ve always maintained that the best way of addressing inequalities and promoting social mobility is by ensuring that our young people get a good education.

It was, however, such a shame that primary schools were unable to fully reopen this week.

I’m concerned that our youngest children will suffer a long-term detrimental impact on their cognitive development and that parents will be held back from returning to work to secure their own livelihoods and forge the pathway to economic recovery.

Teachers are right to show concern, and I’m grateful to them for working on the frontline allowing our children to learn and parents to work. The sooner we can get more children safely into the classrooms the better.

Further unnecessary delay could have grave consequences for pupils, the economy, and our society.