In his regular column for the Hereford Times, North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin welcomes the lifting of mandatory coronavirus restrictions

AT last on July 19 we reached the last phase of the roadmap out of lockdown as set out by the Prime Minister earlier in the year.

I appreciate that for some this move has been a cause for concern.

However, I believe that it is the right time for a shift from blanket rules and regulation towards guidance, common sense, and personal discretion.

I am glad that we are no longer a society where face-coverings are mandated by law, but rather it is now incumbent upon us all to behave sensibly and responsibly in public spaces to ensure the continued protection of other and ourselves.

Out of consideration to others, I will continue to wear a mask in places like supermarkets, and from what I have seen, many will do the same.

I know that those over the age of 18 are taking the summer holidays as an opportunity to get vaccinated before many return to university in September, and I would once again encourage anyone who has not already done so to take up their invitation and get vaccinated.

Bovine tuberculosis is still an issue which affects many farmers in Herefordshire, and I recently had the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister about the lessons from the pandemic transferring to disease management at Defra during PMQs.

The Prime Minister kindly said that he has learnt a lot from me about TB, and has agreed to meet with me so that we may discuss the matter further.

I am concerned that successful badger culling is being phased out about before the DIVA vaccine test has been approved. This leaves both cattle and healthy badgers unprotected.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed in an answer to me that this vaccine test is not due to be approved before 2025.

As we have learnt through our experiences with the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines are an excellent way of protecting against diseases.

The DIVA test can differentiate between a vaccinated or infected animal which enables us to use the vaccine effectively.

I was pleased to be invited to support North Herefordshire’s market towns in this year’s Heart of England In Bloom competition.

While this year’s event is online, this is a great opportunity to visit our market towns and show your support for this very positive contest.

The competition is hot, but our entrants never fail to make our beautiful market towns even prettier and showcase the wonderful community focused nature of the good people of Herefordshire.