Dean's Columns in the Watford Observer

Looking Ahead to 2023

December 2022

Since my election in 2019, I have been working hard on the issues which are raised with me on a regular basis.

Anti-social behaviour has been a concern, so I am delighted that a new police station will open in 2023.

I continue to lobby the Government to ensure that Watford General receives the investment it needs. Both staff and patients deserve a modern hospital with state-of-the-art facilities.

I was delighted to see my Tips Bill progress in the Commons. This new legislation makes it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff, benefiting more than 2 million hospitality workers.

Mental Health Awareness remains a priority, and in 2019 I pledged to train 1,000 people in Mental Health First Aid awareness in Watford. I want to reiterate my thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for their support with this initiative, which I hope to see become the norm across the UK.

I am proud to have worked with Suzanne Webb MP and Zach Eagling on ‘Zach’s Law’ which makes ‘epilepsy trolling’ a criminal offence within the Online Safety Bill going forward.

I was pleased to finally see changes to the infamous Woodmere Avenue width restriction and welcome the installation of ANPR cameras in 2023, something I requested in Parliament back in 2021!

More recently, I was delighted to hear that Pryzm has secured a 5-year lease extension, providing a huge boost to our local economy. Thank you to everybody who signed my petition to help save the nightclub.

I hope everybody in Watford has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As always, if I can be of assistance please do get in touch.

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Paying tribute to our Armed Forces

November 2022

I write this column having recently attended a number of moving Remembrance events and having joined local Poppy Appeal volunteers in Watford and Abbots Langley.

It was an honour to lay poppy wreaths and pay tribute to those who defended our freedoms, many making the ultimate sacrifice.

Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it's also known, marks the day that WWI ended in 1918. The first Remembrance Day was held in 1921, following a campaign by Earl Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the Army during the First World War.

This followed the unveiling of the Cenotaph in Whitehall by King George V on 11th November 1920 and the decision to adopt the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Poppy Appeal Volunteers are the face of the Royal British Legion and help collect donations whilst distributing poppies. Thousands of volunteers can be found on high streets, train stations and local supermarkets across the country.

I would like to thank Tony Griffiths and the team of volunteers in Watford, and Les Vertessy and the Abbots Langley team. The time I spent volunteering with them was very rewarding, so please do consider signing up to volunteer next year.

I was delighted to be able to mention them in Parliament during Prime Minister’s Questions, when I also took the opportunity to invite Rishi Sunak and veterans Minister Johnny Mercer to Watford to meet our veterans whom we owe so much.

I want to thank the RBL who provide support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. I would also like to thank every shop and business in the constituency that has supported the Poppy Appeal by allowing volunteers use of their premises.

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In loving memory of Her Majesty The Queen

October 2022

It was with great sadness that I paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf Watford during a special Saturday sitting of the House of Commons.

During the period of national mourning, I was fortunate to attend numerous services in honour of Her Majesty’s long-life and historic reign. So many people commented that they were surprised at how emotional they felt at the news of her passing, yet most of us have not known a world without her. She has been a constant in all of our lives, and her passing bought back memories of our own loved ones that we have lost.

As mentioned during my speech in the Commons, in 1977 Queen Elizabeth II visited the Rolls-Royce factory in Leavesden, where my parents’ in-law first met. I can still recall their excitement when they received a card from The Queen marking their diamond wedding anniversary. We have heard so many stories and anecdotes about The Queen since her passing, it is hard to think of somebody who has touched more lives than our longest reigning Monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II was loved not just because of what she was, but because of who she was—our nation’s great-grandmother. She was loved by people from across the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world. Billions of people watched her funeral service and hundreds of thousands queued overnight to file past her coffin, sad at our loss but comforted that she was to be reunited with her beloved husband.

I was honoured to be asked to serve in the government of her son and heir, King Charles III, having been appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. God save the King.

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Continuing the work to end rough sleeping

September 2022

Recently I welcomed Eddie Hughes, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, to Watford to show him how local organisations are working to tackle rough sleeping.

Watford is incredibly lucky to have New Hope and One YMCA who work really well together. Since 2020 Watford has received more than £4.5 million in additional funding from central government to help those sleeping rough.

Thanks to this additional funding aiding the work of local organisations, numbers in Watford have plummeted. However, we must ensure that rough sleeping is eradicated, which is why I invited the Minister to meet those who are working hard to make this happen.

The government took unprecedented steps to protect rough sleepers during the pandemic, launching the ‘Everyone In’ initiative. The government is determined to build on the success of this, helping make sure people continue to have a safe place to stay and can begin to rebuild their lives with wrap-around services and care.

The Minister visited New Hope’s Haven on Whipppendell Road, which focuses on providing humanitarian aid. Following this he was shown around New Hope’s Sanctuary site, where staff and volunteers work to support people at a critical moment, helping prepare them to move into longer-term supported accommodation.

The visit ended at One YMCA, which received £2.2 million in government funding to provide an additional 34 self-contained studios for local individuals who were previously homeless.

Ensuring that everyone has a roof over their head is crucial, and the Government is committed to ending rough sleeping once and for all during this Parliament. An additional £2 billion has been committed over the next three years to tackle rough sleeping and being able to show the exemplary work taking place in Watford means this work can be replicated nationally.

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Why I am backing Liz Truss to be Prime Minister

August 2022

In a few days’ time we will know who is going to be the next Prime Minister and Conservative party leader. At the time of writing, both candidates are touring the country to discuss their vision for our country.

We need a leader who can get our economy back on track at this critical time, who can be trusted to follow through on their pledges, and who can deliver on the promises made in 2019. That is why I am backing Liz Truss.

Following the pandemic, we are faced with unprecedented economic challenges compounded by the war in Ukraine and the consequential cost of living crisis. I know from my own mailbox that people are looking for hope at a time of difficulty and need our next Prime Minister to tackle these challenges head on.

I have worked closely with Liz in the Foreign Office as her Parliamentary Private Secretary. As a colleague she is scrupulous and formidable, and relentlessly hard-working. Her desire to effect positive change is noticeable, and she exemplified a skill for getting things done.

That’s because Liz has another less talked about trait, she goes out of her way to listen to colleagues. Whether it be engaging on Ukraine or Northern Ireland Protocol, Liz ensured there were regular briefings and opportunities for discussion. This ensured all colleagues, including oppositions MPs, were kept informed and could ask questions on issues that mattered to their constituents.

I saw how Liz was guided by her conservative values to defend freedom, democracy, and self-determination on the international stage. I have every confidence that her conservatism, aspiration and positivity, combined with her belief in low taxes, cutting red tape and self-responsibility, will deliver for the whole country.

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Show your support for my Tips Bill

July 2022

Next Friday will see the second reading of my Tips Bill in the House of Commons, and I hope to see colleagues from all parties back my Bill to ensure a fair deal for those working in the hospitality sector.

As previously covered in this paper, the aim of my Bill is to ensure that employees can retain all tips that they receive from customers. Whilst most companies already offer staff a fair deal, some employers have retained the right to keep these tips, and I do not think that this is right.

The Bill will ensure staff get 100% of their tips and stop unscrupulous businesses keeping some, or sometimes all, of the tips meant for staff.

Tips should never be used as an excuse not to pay staff a decent wage, but with challenges around the cost of living, tips can be important for hospitality staff, making it even more essential that businesses are banned from withholding tips.

Watford has many people working in cafes, bars and restaurants who will benefit from this Bill, my new law will benefit hospitality workers across the U.K so I really hope all of my colleagues in the Commons back my Bill.

I am grateful to the many local businesses, workers and those who used to work in hospitality for contacted me to confirm their support. Please show your support by using the hashtag #TipsBill on social media and signing my online petition here: www.deanrussell.co.uk/tipsbill

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Why I voted in support of the Prime Minister

June 2022

This week the Prime Minister faced a vote of confidence and many constituents have understandably contacted me to share their view.

In any democracy we must ensure that people are free to express their views, and that views different to our own are respected. I have read every email and letter that I have received on this matter, both from those expressing support for the Prime Minister, and those feeling upset, angry or frustrated. I know there were strong feeling regarding the Sue Gray report. I will not make excuses for many of the events that took place in Number 10.

The Prime Minister has apologised and Sue Gray acknowledged changes have been made in Number 10, which have already made a noticeable difference.

It is important to note that it was Boris Johnson’s government which resolved the Brexit crisis and delivered on the will of the people after years of back and forth in Westminster. It was his government which delivered the first COVID vaccine, it is the Prime Minister that is leading on challenging Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and I believe it is his government which is best placed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

I understand why people are angry, but now is not the time for a distracting and divisive leadership contest. I used my vote to ensure the focus of Government is on important matters of the day - growing the economy, making our streets safer, and driving down the NHS backlog. I will continue to ensure my focus is on Watford and I believe a vote otherwise would have risked months of chaos and quarrelling in Parliament.

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Levelling up is not just about regions, but also people

April 2022

The phrase ‘levelling-up’ is a phrase many of us have heard several times since 2019. In fact, we now have a dedicated Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which replaced the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Levelling-up was at the heart of the governments manifesto prior to its landslide General Election victory in 2019. It is not just about improving regions through better public transport or investing in local high streets.

My recent visit to Watford Workshop with Prime Minister Boris Johnson reminded me that it is about ensuring equal opportunity for all. This fantastic charity employs adults with disabilities who face barriers to mainstream employment.

Being able to write a CV or walk into a job interview is something that many of us take for granted, but for those with a learning difficulty or disability it can be a significant challenge, and sometimes feel like an impossible task.

There are more than 14 million disabled people in the UK, and disabled people are over twice as likely to be unemployed.

The DWP will provide £1.3bn over the SR21 period to provide employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions.

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What is happening in Ukraine is utterly heart-breaking and profoundly wrong. The world is witnessing a wholly unprovoked attack on a sovereign democratic state

March 2022

Economic sanctions designed to isolate Russia have caused the rouble to plummet, wiping as much as $250 billion off the Russian stock market before the Kremlin were forced to close the market. It is predicted that the global response will set Russia’s economy back by at least 30 years. Belarus has also been sanctioned for its complicity in Putin's premeditated invasion, further wiping out decades of economic gains.

I am proud that at the time of writing, UK aid to Ukraine comes to £395 million, making us the largest humanitarian donor. Last year I was appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, so I have been working closely with the Foreign Secretary and her team of Ministers.

In my role as PPS, I was asked to accompany His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK. Applause is not usually permitted in the House of Commons, but MPs from all sides eagerly broke with precedent to demonstrate support for Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine marked an historic first when he addressed the Commons via video link, making him the first foreign leader ever to address the Chamber. The actions of Russia’s President have not defeated Ukraine, instead we have seen other nations unite in support of Ukraine’s patriotism and defiance.

Putin must fail. The UK Government, standing alongside our friends in Ukraine and allies, is engaged in ensuring he does.

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Watford General redevelopment will be hugely beneficial for local residents and NHS staff

January 2022

I am pleased that West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust was given the green light to continue with its redevelopment design and cost planning in recent weeks, after they were informed that funding to pay the external advisors they required to continue this work was being made available.

Watford has been earmarked as one of eight ‘Path Finder’ Trusts and is a priority under the government’s plans to build 40 new hospitals across the UK by 2030. The Trust will be submitting the Outline Business Case soon. I make no apology for constantly badgering and Health and Treasury Ministers at every opportunity to ensure that Watford General gets the funding it deserves.

As things stand, the plans would see Watford General overhauled, and improvements to the Trust’s sites in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans. I wholeheartedly support these ambitious plans, as do many other local representatives. I have seen first-hand the tremendous work of the staff at Watford General and the passion of the leadership to deliver improved healthcare across West Herts.

This ambition was shown when the Trust was recently awarded teaching status in recognition of the high-quality training and education that it delivers. This will be a real boost to recruitment and retention. The redevelopment will vastly improve the patient experience, but also the working environment for the fantastic staff.

We have a huge opportunity to get behind the Trust and embrace the new opportunities afforded by advances in both medical and digital technologies to bring Watford General into the 21st Century, and I will continue to support the Trust in making this a reality.

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A message from Dean Russell MP

New Year 2021

As we approach 2022, now is a great time to reflect on the past year. COVID has continued to impact all of our lives, but I very much hope that you have been able to make the most of seeing loved ones over the festive period.

Christmas affords us the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us, but also allows us to focus on the year ahead. I am sure that most of us will be looking forward to a year without restrictions and hoping for life as we knew it to return.

At this time of year, it is important to take a moment to think of all of those that work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Those are days that most of us look forward to switching off and celebrating at home with friends and loved ones, but so many make a sacrifice for the greater good and to keep the country running and vital services operating.

A 12+ hour shift can be challenging on a regular day, let alone on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those in the NHS, emergency service workers, carers, prison officers, Armed Forces personnel and those working in the retail and hospitality sectors to name just a few.

I hope you all had a relaxing and peaceful Christmas, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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A Christmas message from Dean Russell MP

December 2021

As we look towards 2022, now is a great time to reflect on the past 12 months. One of my highlights was securing new legislation to ensure hospitality workers will retain 100% of their tips through my ‘Tips Bill’ in a huge win for hospitality staff.

I hosted the Inaugural Watford Environmental & Food Waste Summit to discuss how we can ensure good food is not wasted, and that we are eradicating single-use plastic.

I also welcomed the creation of the NHS Reserves Programme. Ever since I suggested this scheme at Prime Minister’s Questions last year, I have been amazed by the support from NHS staff and colleagues in Parliament.

I have continued to focus on homelessness. I am proud to have successfully lobbied for over £4 million for Watford however, this time of year serves as a poignant reminder that there is still more to do and will continue to be one of my priorities.

I also spent time on the Online Safety Bill Committee to perform pre-legislative scrutiny on ground-breaking legislation aimed at making the internet a safer place and holding social media platform to account.

My office and I are here to help with any Watford related issue so please get in touch. My email is [email protected] and you can sign up to my newsletter to receive regular updates about my work in Watford and Westminster https://www.deanrussell.co.uk/

When Covid rules allow, I really enjoy welcoming groups to Parliament for a tour. Please let me know If this would be of interest to you.

Sending you my best wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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A tribute to Sir David Amess MP

October 2021

I want to pay tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP following his horrific murder whilst holding a constituency surgery.

Although I was elected less than two years ago, I came to know Sir David almost immediately, as both a colleague and friend. He was quite simply the kindest person you could meet, always smiling and incredibly generous with his time and advice, particularly with new MPs, for whom his knowledge was invaluable.

A committed campaigner on cutting the cost of living, animal welfare issues and championed greater awareness for endometriosis. For him, serving his constituents was not just an honour but a way of life.

I was incredibly moved to hear the Prime Minister confirm that Southend will now be accorded city status, a long running campaign of Sir David’s and a fitting tribute to a much-loved public servant whose life was taken in a cruel and barbaric manner, at what should have just been a routine surgery meeting.

As a Member of Parliament I have worked hard to ensure I am accessible to constituents - even during lockdown – and I don’t intend to change that principle.

I believe access to MPs - no matter what our differences - is a cornerstone of democracy and the unnecessary killing of Sir David highlights that democracy must not be taken for granted.

I would like to reiterate the words shared by Sir David’s family –

“We ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all.”

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Tips Bill is a victory for hospitality staff

September 2021

Last week it was confirmed that the government would be bringing forward new legislation to ensure hospitality workers will retain their tips following my campaign. I am delighted that workers’ rights for tips will be included in the upcoming Employment Bill.


My aim was to ensure that workers receive 100% of the tips that they are given by customers by formalising this requirement in law. This would be in the form of an agreement for staff to keep the tips meant directly for them, or to have agreements in place to ensure that tips are divided fairly. For example, staff at restaurants may agree that tips should also be allocated across all staff, including hard working kitchen staff.

I strongly feel that tips given by customers intended for hard-working staff should be passed on to them directly and I am glad that this will now be the case. Hard work deserves recognition and reward, and this also ensures fairness and transparency for both employees and customers.


I am overjoyed that my Tips campaign has been a success and will see workers in Watford and across the UK keep their tips once this legislation passes through Parliament. The Small Business Minister and his team at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have been very supportive of the need to support workers’ rights for tips and assured me they will work with me on this important legislation.


This is a huge win for hospitality workers across the UK and I want to thank the Business Minister and his team for confirming this important legislation, and also the many Watford based businesses which took the time to share their feedback and comments with me.

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Working together to keep Watford safe

August 2021

I recently met with Watford’s Chief Inspector to discuss a new service which has been launched to allow residents to help police tackle and prioritise crime on our streets and in our community.

The service, which is called Echo, is a community feedback platform which allows people to share their thoughts and concerns regarding policing in their local area, in their own words and own time.

All feedback is submitted completely anonymous and there is no requirement to sign up or to share any personal information. Comments shared on the platform are then sent through to the relevant local Safer Neighbourhood Team where officers will review the feedback and use it to help build patrol plans and local activity.

Whether you live, work or study in Watford, the police want to hear from you as your feedback will help to shape local policing priorities. I know that anti-social behaviour is a concern in some areas of our town, and other people are worried about the theft of pets and tools from work vans, so my message is please do report concerns. You can find out more here: bit.ly/police-watford

In our meeting I also heard more about Watford Police Station’s move to George Street in the town centre. Though currently pending approval, it is hoped that the new premises could be open in a year’s time and will provide modern fit-for-purpose facilities, whilst maintaining a police station in the town centre that ensures foot patrols can be conducted easily, with easy access to the ring road enabling a rapid vehicle response.

Watford County and Family Court will also be moving to a new location in the centre of town, with Royalty House in King Street being transformed into a County Court and will be equipped to deal with a wide range of cases.

I have also launched a crime survey to find out more about what residents think and want to see in our community when it comes to crime. It is my job to ensure that constituents are represented, and criminal behaviour is something that affects all our lives even if we are not always aware of it, so it is important I hear your views. Visit the survey here: www.deanrussell.co.uk/crimesurvey

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Let’s embrace the plans that will give us a 21st Century Hospital

June 2021

Following the news that construction of the new multi-storey car park at Watford General Hospital has commenced, now is the time to embrace the wider plans that will overhaul the three hospitals in West Herts and provide staff and patients with state-of-the-art facilities that are fit for purpose and able to meet the needs of an NHS that is constantly growing, adapting and modernising.

The exciting plans that West Hertfordshire NHS Trust have shared will mean that Watford General will retain emergency, specialist, and complex care.

The Hemel Hempstead site will focus on planned medical care and long-term conditions, whilst St Albans will be the home of planned surgical care and cancer services.

Each hospital having a defined role is driven by a wish to improve clinical outcomes, reduce waiting times and improve the patient experience. All three sites are equally important; their success will come from the way they work together to provide a comprehensive range of care for local residents. Strengthening the services by having specialty teams together and the benefit of enhanced diagnostic equipment can only be a good thing. As Chair of the APPG on Digital Health I am excited at the prospect of Watford having modern buildings and the best technology.

Having volunteered at Watford General for more than a year now, I have seen first-hand the dedication of its remarkable staff and the urgent need to create a better environment for them and for patients. The clinical staff and the leadership team have worked so hard for so long to get to this point. The planning application is about much more than buildings – it reflects the Trust’s focus on the needs of patients – now and in the future.

The best and quickest route to new and better healthcare is the plan which has been put forward by the Trust and which has the backing of its clinical staff. I do believe that we should now close the door on all other ideas as they will only lead to delays.

The proposals mean a local NHS service that is bigger, greener, better – let’s all get behind it and show our support.

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New government taskforce must take pet theft seriously

May 2021

We are a nation of animal lovers and during lockdown, pets have been a source of comfort and companionship. As reported recently, over the last year Watford has recorded a 152% increase in dog ownership and figures have increased in every corner of the UK.

This national increase has sadly resulted in pet theft also soaring. Hertfordshire Constabulary reported last week that whilst thefts in Hertfordshire have remained relatively low, across the country there is growing concern.

Whilst there are practical steps that owners can take, and micro chipping of dogs is a legal requirement, these heartless criminals remove the microchips so that these much-loved pets cannot be traced, leaving owners in limbo and heartbroken at the loss of a family member.

As the Prime Minister wrote recently “If you are cynical and nasty enough to steal a dog…then you will almost certainly be party to other types of crime as well” so we must take swift and robust action.

This is why I fully support the aim of the Justice Department, which has teamed up with the Home Office and DEFRA, to launch a new Pet Theft taskforce which will gather evidence to understand the factors contributing to this rise in theft and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem following claims that the current law is ineffective.

Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, with offenders facing up to seven years in prison. If the animal suffers during the theft, criminals are further liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and could face an increased penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment from this summer.

The taskforce will work with operational partners such as the police and ask for input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields. The plans are part of the Government’s commitment to tackle crime and the impacts of crime and to further strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe, please visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/theft

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Dean Russell MP asks to meet with the Prime Minister as he praises local volunteers

April 2021

This week in Prime Ministers Questions I asked to meet with Boris Johnson to discuss the creation of an NHS Cadet scheme having been inspired by local volunteers.

It has been a year since I started volunteering at Watford General and this is what inspired the idea to create an NHS Cadet scheme. In a report which was published last year I made the point that unlike the Armed Forces, which has reserve and cadet forces, the NHS has no official volunteering arm beyond third party organisations such as HelpForce and St John’s Ambulance.

The public appetite to support the NHS through volunteering was seen at its height through the 750,000 people who signed up to the GoodSam app, and now is the time to capitalise on that.

A survey that I conducted in 2020 demonstrated that volunteering had a positive impact on people and helped them feel more connected to their community. We saw a surge in community spirit during lockdown and we have an opportunity to make the most of that and help further support our fantastic NHS.

There is already existing volunteering in hospital settings with roles including manning hospital shops and tea rooms, providing clerical support and trolley services. However, in ‘normal times’ red tape can too often shut the door on volunteers seeking to provide help to supplement the work of public services.

This is why I hope to see the creation of an NHS Cadets service by NHS England, which could also act as a pathway for those wanting to work in the Health and Social Care sector.

I was delighted that the Prime Minister paid tribute to local volunteers in Watford. I’m pleased that he endorsed the scheme and I look forward to taking this forward.

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Introducing a new Mental Health Bill in Parliament

March 2021

Mental health and wellbeing are incredibly important for us all. That’s why, since day one of being Watford’s MP, it has been one of my top priorities.

Pre-COVID I set a goal to train 1,000 mental health first aiders across Watford. The Prime Minister kindly launched the campaign last year, and I am pleased to say much progress has been made thanks to the generosity of Camelot with funding, and the hard work of the Watford Chamber of Commerce who are making this a reality.

There is no doubt COVID has made this initiative even more important, and I am pleased to share that MPs in other constituencies are already duplicating this work. Watford is truly leading the way in mental wellbeing.

However, there is even more to do as people begin to return to the workplace. That is why on the 23rd March I will fulfil a long-time political ambition in an attempt to change legislation around mental health by introducing a Ten Minute Rule Bill.

The Bill will aim to introduce legislation to make mental health first aid a part of workplace first aid. Across the UK, there has been a steady increase in people accessing mental health services, with 1.2 million in 2019 and this number is expected to rise significantly due to the pandemic.

As we emerge from the pandemic, I have no doubt that we will see an increase in challenges around mental health so as we begin to encourage employees to physically return to work, I believe we have an opportunity to ensure we also prepare employers to adequately provide a form of mental first-aid.

Whilst employers are encouraged to include mental-health first aid as part of first-aid training requirements, I believe legislative changes would ensure people are supported and able to get help if they need it.

I am pleased to say I already have the support of the #wheresyourheadat team who have gathered over 200,000 signatures for their petition for changes in rules around mental health in the workplace.

It is upon us all to look out for each other and I hope Watford will support me in pushing this Bill through Parliament.

If you are interested in the mental health first aid training programme please visit https://watfordchamber.co.uk/m-h-f-a-2021-lets-get-trained/

Additional info: https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/ten-minute-rule-bil…

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Could you help unleash hidden talent?

February 2021

Recently I had a fantastic discussion with several young people who have been employed by Watford Chamber of Commerce, and what struck me was their passion and determination to succeed, and it highlighted how the Kickstarter scheme can help to shape the lives and futures of our young people.

One of the sad realities of the pandemic is that job losses are hitting young people hardest. Workers aged under 25 are more than twice as likely to have lost their job since the start of the global pandemic. They are more likely to work in the hardest hit sectors such as shops, hotels and restaurants so are at higher risk of redundancy.

This is why schemes such Kickstart Scheme are so important to our economic recovery. The government has provided more than £2 billion of funding to create high quality job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds that are currently living on Universal Credit.

The excellent things about this scheme is that Kickstart jobs are fully funded by Government and employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.

Further funding is available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future. The scheme is about so much more than just providing an income for 6 months, it is about teaching young people skills that they can utilise to set themselves up for a successful future. Employers from all industries and across the private, public and voluntary sectors can get involved.

I am delighted to be working with the Watford Chamber of Commerce, which is one of more than 600 Kickstart gateways that helps an employer get a grant, on this project locally. More than 120,000 jobs have been created already and I encourage employers to get involved so that we see this number continue to climb and more young people are helped into the workforce.

As the Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, with £2 billion available and no limit on the number of places, it’s now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part. Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of Kickstarters.

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Vaccine roll-out is on course to deliver

January 2021

It was a year ago this week that a World Health Organisation mission in China found the first evidence of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19. A year on and the impact since that finding has affected the entire world as we have been gripped by the challenges of a global pandemic.

The number of hospitalisations is still growing as we battle the new variant, but we are in a very different position in both what we know and the tools we have at our disposal. Testing didn’t exist a year ago but over 62 million tests have been performed in the UK.

Rapid testing for anyone without coronavirus symptoms has now launched in Hertfordshire and the system to book an appointment is now live. This will help health officials to detect and contain asymptomatic cases.

Most importantly, we have the vaccine and the roll-out continues at pace - 140 jabs are being delivered nationally every minute. The UK was the first country in the world to deliver a jab and continues to be among the countries with the highest vaccination rates. I am pleased to say Hertfordshire is at the forefront of this as it is home to 1 of 17 new mass vaccination centres.

Delivering a vaccination programme on this scale is a huge logistical challenge, and all of those involved in the roll-out in Hertfordshire are doing a fantastic job at great speed, and I would like to thank every single staff member and volunteer.

Thanks to the efforts of those involved more than four million people (at the time of writing) in the UK have received their first dose, –including over-80s, care home residents, and NHS & social care staff. This means that more people have been vaccinated than have tested positive since the pandemic began.

As a result, vaccines can now be offered to those over 70 and the clinically extremely vulnerable as we move to the next stage of the rollout.

We have come a long way since March. There will be new challenges but by following the guidance we are making huge strides in our fight against this awful virus.

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COVID-19 has made this a difficult year

December 2020

It has tested us in ways we have not faced, if ever, outside wartime. The challenge has been momentous with many unknowns creating anxiety and concern for many of us. Yet, as we emerge from 2020 armed with a vaccine, there is cause for optimism.

In the early stages of the pandemic, we worried about hospital capacity and access to ventilators, yet we overcame this. We created four nightingale hospitals and now have capacity for 30,000 ventilators. There was a global shortage of PPE, but now we have over 32 billion items and four months’ worth of supply.

No test existed for the virus, yet in the UK over 43 million tests have been performed. Perhaps most importantly no vaccine existed to aid our fight. As I write this, the first doses have been administered in the UK and a military operation is underway to roll these out on a national scale. We are indebted to those that put themselves forward for the trials, as well as those that have been working tirelessly in laboratories. This scientific breakthrough that has given us reason to hope is down to them.

As a community, we have made strides forward together. As the MP, I am in the fortunate position to see the entirety of our community in action. From volunteering to constituency visits, meetings with local businesses and charities to countless Zoom and Teams meetings - it has been a privilege to work alongside the best of our community.

I am thankful to everyone that followed the guidelines throughout. You may never know who you helped but your actions may mean a teacher didn’t have to self-isolate because you wore a mask, or a nurse could continue their invaluable work because you socially distanced. I have no doubt that these daily contributions made a difference.

I know the economic impact has been incredibly difficult for many businesses. As we enter 2021 we can all do our bit to help them come back stronger by shopping locally, to grabbing a bite to eat or a coffee from a local cafe when out and about. So many of our businesses did incredible work to support our community during the pandemic, so I’m hopeful we will all support them in the coming months and beyond.

2020 has no doubt been a year to remember for us all. Our community spirit has shone throughout. I thank you all as I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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The news on vaccines is welcome, but we must continue to stick to the rules

November 2020

2020 has been a difficult year. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects has been not knowing when or how we will overcome the pandemic. Therefore, the news that a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech can prevent nine out of 10 people contracting Covid-19 offers light at the end of the tunnel.

As a member of the Health & Social Care Select Committee, I have been fortunate to follow the progress towards a vaccine. It is great news that the Government has ordered 40 million doses, enough for approximately one third of the population. This is along with orders of over 300 million doses of 5 other potential vaccines. It is encouraging that no safety concerns have been raised at this stage. However, the analysis still needs to be peer reviewed and considered by regulatory agencies.

Whilst we await the next steps in the vaccine approval process, there is positive news on testing. Hertfordshire will receive 10,000 lateral flow tests as part of a new pilot scheme. This means we can proactively test individuals without symptoms to help identify asymptomatic cases.

This new testing programme will help us drive down the R rate by reducing transmission. This innovative technology can provide results within an hour without needing to be processed in a lab. With lower rates of transmission, we can start getting back to life as we knew it.

But my optimism comes with caution, there is still the monumental challenge of producing enough of the vaccine and actually getting it to people across the UK.

The Prime Minister was clear that “we cannot rely on this news as a solution.” Whilst we could see some vaccines being rolled out by Christmas, it will not help with the second wave we are currently in as very sadly, deaths and hospitalisations are still rising.

When we exit this national lockdown, we will move back to the regional tier system. If we all follow the guidance together, I am hopeful we can emerge back into tier one.

As we hope for the best outcome with the vaccines, we must remain vigilant. Despite the simplicity of washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing, they are still the most powerful tools in stopping the spread and protecting one another. So, whilst I am confident that we can get through this, please continue to follow the guidance.

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Why Governments must not be shamed for U-Turns – particularly where our young are concerned

August 2020

I have always advocated for advancing opportunities for young people. From helping ensure care leavers are equipped for the world of work, to being a school governor and a student union executive officer, I have always believed that we must enable every young person to be the best version of themselves.

I know that the last few days have been difficult for many students who were not awarded the grades they had worked so hard for. I recall my own experience of not achieving the A-levels I hoped for and the scramble to find a University place.

That is why I worked closely with my team to support students in every way I could. That included engaging with teachers, Universities and directly with the Universities Minister. I was adamant that I would use every tool available to ensure opportunities were not taken away from those who, through no fault of their own, were denied their preferred university or college place.

I understand the original goal of using the algorithm was to ensure equality, but it became clear that this was not working as intended. Therefore, I was very pleased that Ofqual, having been instructed to do so by the Education Secretary, decided to change the approach by using teacher-predicted grades

This is the right decision and something I had raised repeatedly with the Minister.

Since the announcement I have seen many comments on how the government has been ‘shamed into performing a U-turn’. But I believe such rhetoric is quite dangerous. We are in unprecedented times and decisions are being made due to COVID-19 that have never been made before. If the Government had chosen to ‘save face’ by sticking to the original approach it could have had a devastating effect on our young people.

Thankfully the government listened and put students before politics.

I believe even critics should be encouraged by a government that can change its position on the important matters if it means a better outcome. This is a sign of a functioning democracy and demonstrates a government that listens.

We have excellent schools in Watford and I will always stand right behind them. Our Town’s young people are very ambitious and this is something I have seen for myself since being elected and why I am an active supporter of the newly formed Watford Youth Council which is launching later this month. The WYC will be a powerful voice for young people and help hold people such as myself to account and I can assure them - and all young people across Watford- that I will always be ready to listen.

To any young people reading this, if you are interested in joining WYC, need any help with your University or just want to know more about getting involved locally, please contact me on [email protected] or visit deanrussell.co.uk as I would love to hear from you.

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Dean Russell MP wants to hear from you

July 2020

If you look through a century of statements from MPs, you would struggle to find many who haven’t mentioned the importance of representing the views of their constituents’. In the modern era it would be easy to assume emails, Twitter and Facebook are the place to find out what people think, but often these channels tend to reflect the views of those already politically engaged or people asking for views or support on specific issues. These voices are important but can mean the complete range of views from across the constituency could be missed.

This year alone I have worked with my team on over five thousand individual cases, but I realise even that still is a small proportion of the constituency.  That is why I make a daily effort to truly reach out to listen to views from across all parts of our Town.

This outreach has taken many forms and I have been fortunate to take part in many visits with a wide diversity of community groups (and a large number of Zoom calls too). These have all highlighted what an amazing community we have. I have seen first-hand the generosity of spirit everyone has shown during the COVID-19 crisis. I have listened to so many wonderful stories of individuals helping vulnerable neighbours, to witnessing the tireless efforts of community groups as they cooked and delivered food on an unprecedented scale for front line workers.

I have tried my best to listen throughout the crisis, but I also realise that even with the thousands of voices I have listened to, there are still so many more unheard stories and experiences.

This is why I recently launched the first in a series of community surveys. My goal is to better understand how our town has felt during lockdown so that these can continue to help me represent Watford in the House of Commons, when speaking to Ministers and in my roles on Select Committees.

As your MP, I can assure you that no issue is too big or too local for me. If it is important to you, it is important to me. I have already spoken in the chamber dozens of times about local issues from the redevelopment of Watford General or tackling the stigma of mental health. I have even been working on requesting an Adjournment Debate to discuss the Woodmere Avenue width restriction.

This survey is an opportunity to share your experiences so I can learn from them and take them into account when representing our Town. So, if you have kindly taken time to read this article, I hope you would consider spending a few more minutes sharing your thoughts on our community in the survey below:

https://www.deanrussell.co.uk/Survey

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Dean Russell launches community podcast

May 2020

I launched a community podcast earlier this year in which I sit down with local leaders and figures to discuss what is going on across the town.

I started this podcast to throw a spotlight on some of the great work happening in Watford during this challenging time. There are so many unsung heroes in our town leading on so many great initiatives and I wanted their work to be recognised and spoken about. For example, in one episode

I speak to Lynne Misner from Small Acts of Kindness to hear about the vital work her team does to support those that are isolated and without a support network.

In another episode I sit down with the Mayor to talk about Watford’s COVID-19 response from the council’s perspective. We cover homelessness, loneliness, and the importance of working cross party.

One of my favourite episodes is with local journalist Nik Allen. Nik opened up about his 5 day stay at Watford General after being blue lighted in with COVID-19. It was really interesting to listen to his experience, and it was great to be able to share his story.

Most recently I caught up with Glyn Evans who is Operations Director at Watford FC. We spoke about the amazing work going on at the ‘Sanctuary’ which has been set up within the stadium to support local NHS staff. The club have opened up the stadium to launder scrubs, host meetings, provide staff with hot meals, counselling rooms and even overnight stays and it was great do discuss this in detail with the club.”

There are many more episodes coming up, and they can be found on Spotify or my website.

https://www.deanrussell.co.uk/podcasts-dean-russell

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We need to ensure transport provides for money

March 2020

One of my campaign pledges was to ensure that the train service provided to my constituents drastically improves. On the morning after the General Election, I called the Head of Corporate Affairs at West Midlands Trains to request a meeting. They were the first people I called as the poor train service has such a big impact on so many residents who commute from Watford Junction, Kings Langley and Bushey. I also used Prime Minister’s Question time to ensure that the matter was raised in the House of Commons.

People are leaving home stressed as they do not know if they will be able to get to work on time, or when they will able to return home after a long day at work. Commuters are incurring fines for picking their kids up late, or are missing evening plans with friends, or unable to get to their gym class thanks to constant delays.

The meeting took place last month, and I was joined by my neighbouring MPs who also hear regularly from constituents that are fed up of delays, cancellations and crowded trains.

We had a very frank and robust discussion in which it was made clear that the service provided is unacceptable. A zone 1-9 travelcard costs £3764.00, this is a considerable cost to many commuters and is clearly not providing value for money. I hear too regularly from passengers that cannot board delayed trains as there are not enough carriages, or that are fed up with trains being cancelled with very little notice and without explanation.

West Midlands Trains sent me a letter, which you can read in full on my Facebook page, outlining the reasons for the poor service, and the short, medium and long-terms measures that they are making to improve passenger experience. They openly admitted that their performance in the second half of 2019 was unacceptable and was the result of changes from the May 2019 timetable. They have said that “it proved to be too ambitious and complex and didn’t have enough resilience to recover, meaning that individual delays could affect large parts of the network when things went wrong.”

At the end of March, they plan to introduce six additional trains which will allow the introduction of additional carriages at peak time on the busiest of trains. They will also take further complexity out of the timetable and are in the process of recruiting over 80 extra staff to help provide greater resilience and reduce vulnerability to cancelling trains. They will also invest £700 million to increase their fleet by 25% and provide 10,000 extra seats each day, these trains are due to be in service during 2021.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has also been clear that WMT have failed to meet contractual performance levels and has instructed them to spend £20 million to improve services and compensate passengers. He has quite rightly said that he will take action should improvements not be delivered swiftly.

I will be meeting again with WMT prior to the introduction of the new timetable in May 2020. They must address both continued performance issues and overcrowding as a priority, and I look forward to seeing a marked improvement. I will constantly be holding them to account and I welcome your continued feedback on the service. As Watford’s MP it is my job to make sure that I am listening and taking direction from you.

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Putting Watford’s Health First

February 2020

Since being elected I have been working tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, to ensure Watford is at the front of the queue when it comes to health and social care. In the thousands of emails I have been responding to, health is a common theme so I wanted to give you an update on some key activities – although there is a lot more to share too.

Just last week I asked the Secretary of State for Health in the House of Commons to confirm the £400m funding for the West Herts Health Trust which will be a grant and not a loan. I am pleased to confirm this was publicly confirmed that the funding will be coming direct from Government. The video of this can be seen on my Facebook or Twitter page.

I have also been pushing ahead with my pledges around mental health. I have begun to reach out to mental health charities locally, businesses, the police and public health bodies to organise a forum in the coming months so we can work together to reduce stigma, tackle loneliness and push forward with my plan to train mental health first aiders across Watford. For those that have seen my maiden speech you will know overcoming loneliness is a priority of mine, and I have had some great conversations with local groups such as the Wellspring Church to find out what more we can do in Watford.

In parliament I have met with a variety of organisations including YoungMinds, Samaritans and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. My goal is not to create a white elephant campaign on mental health for ego, I want to ensure we deliver practical results and create a town that leads the country, and the world, in practical measures that help remove stigma and help people be the best version of themselves.

I was also pleased to speak to Peter Taylor to suggest collaborating on a new scheme I have seen elsewhere for ‘chat benches’ to tackle loneliness. I am looking forward to collaborating on this and, as pledged, putting people before politics.

I am also very pleased to share that just this week I have been elected to the Health & Social Care Select Committee. This is a real honour and importantly for Watford it means we have a seat at the table to scrutinise both government and health organisations to ensure they are delivering for you.

I was also pleased to vote to ensure NHS funding is ringfenced and end its use as a political football. This means everyone can be assured that the NHS will always be free at the point of use.

I take my new role seriously, and there is no more serious a topic as our health. I look forward to updating you on my work in this area both in Parliament and in the community right here in Watford.

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See Also

In Watford

Here you can read about what I have been up to in the constituency from school visits, volunteering with local charities and community groups to visits with local businesses.  

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