THERE'S been a lot of comment about whether the Government can keep to June 21 date to ease all Covid restrictions but I think people are missing a key element here, writes Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb.

It’s not just the Government that holds the key to Freedom Day but all of us by making sure we get both doses of the vaccines as quickly as possible and by keeping to the rules while they are in force.

I had my second AstraZeneca jab at the Black Country Living Museum Vaccination Centre at the weekend and I am happy I am fully protected but also that I have done my bit.

Stourbridge News:

I am thrilled by the high numbers of young people who are stepping forward to get the jab. Over 25s can now book the vaccine and the latest data shows these inoculations are seemingly breaking the link between infection and serious illness and hospitalisation. Nationally, infections have risen 52 per cent in the last week but hospital admissions are falling slightly. Those who are getting ill are often younger and less prone to complications. Those who need hospital treatment are mostly those who are older and have not had the jab.

So, the situation is good but the Government has a difficult call to make. It doesn’t want to cause any illness and death or put pressure on the NHS. This may mean it delays Freedom Day but again, it is up to all of us to give June 21 the best possible chance by getting the jab. That’s the sure-fire way back to normality. The science says so.

Like many in the West Midlands, I am looking forward to Euro 2021. In Stourbridge, there is an added dimension because England’s teenage sensation Jude Bellingham is from our town.

“Jude is phenomenal," said England manager Gareth Southgate. And I am sure many could not agree more. Who knows if he will start the first game on the June 13 against Croatia. I hope so. I will be in Stourbridge cheering him and the rest of the England team on throughout the tournament. Jude is only 17 and I’m sure his family, friends and teammates will be very proud if he does the business on the pitch for his country.

Looking forward to watching the footy is just another reminder that we are on the cusp of normality and I have been really pleased to be getting back out and about in Stourbridge visiting shops, pubs and meeting up with people again. The pandemic and the lockdowns have strained the fabric of society and changed it but we all want some of our old lives back.