An Aberdeen MP has reassured his constituents they “will pull through” the coronavirus epidemic.
Stephen Flynn returned from Westminister on Tuesday evening and, given the current restrictions, isn’t sure when he will be able to return to the Commons chamber.
As he sat during meetings this week, including the “jam-packed” gathering for Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s buisness support announcement on Tuesday, he said the feeling was “surreal”.
On Wednesday, bars within the parliamentary estate, Strangers’, the Woolsack and the House of Lords’ bar, were all closed by order of the Speaker.
Within the Commons chamber, MPs have also been told to stay away unless necessary.
Mr Flynn has reiterated that now is not the time for party politics, but instead for combined efforts to battle the pandemic.
He said: “From my perspective, the real desire in Westminster for everyone to be working together achieve an outcome for individuals and businesses in this challenging time.
“We have different views on what support we want, and how soon, but now is the time to put party politics aside.
“I think the First Minister has shown real leadership and this has been replicated across the UK.”
Now back in his home in Cove, Mr Flynn is working to raise awareness of local efforts on the ground to support the fight against coronavirus.
He added: “London was surreal, the tubes were really quiet.
“I have my own family here who I’ve been worried about.
“People are starting to realise we need to take self isolating seriously, and that no one is immune.
“My main message to my constituents is that we’re all in this together, and we can pull through this.
“Listening to the advice for the government every day is what we can do – and bolster the sense of community already here.”
To get in touch with Mr Flynn’s campaign office: email stephen.flynn.mp@parliament.uk