A lot of members have contacted me to say that the Chancellor isn’t helping small limited companies and freelancers. They’re right – those in the creative industries in particular are struggling to get by.

That’s why I have tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to close the loophole in the job retention schemes by allowing small limited company directors to claim for 80 per cent of filed average earnings, including dividends.

You can read the motion in full here.

You can help by contacting your MP and asking them to sign my EDM. The more MPs we get signing it, the easier it is engage with the press and get a campaign running.

Ask your MP to support the EDM

You can write a message of your own, or copy the text below:

As one of your constituents, I would like you to sign EDM 351, being led by Jamie Stone MP. I believe the Chancellor should be doing more to help small limited companies and freelancers. Please will you sign the EDM to show your support for freelancers?

University students, particularly undergraduates but also postgraduate researchers, are among some of the most economically vulnerable in society during this coronavirus crisis.

Many don’t have their parents to fall back on or have found themselves suddenly with low incomes and no way of making ends meet.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many challenges, including the question about how Muslims can still join together, observe Ramadan, and break the fast (Iftar) whilst still exercising social distancing.

Being apart at this time – especially from family and loved ones – seems alien to our values, but it gives us the opportunity to celebrate together in a different way.

Today, Muslim communities in the UK and across the world welcome Ramadan.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of self-discipline requiring worship, reflection and self-sacrifice through charity, fasting and prayer. It is also a time of profound compassion and an opportunity to share in the suffering of others.

This year, Ramadan comes at a time when we are all being called to act selflessly

This year, Ramadan comes at a time when we are all being called to act selflessly. Each of us must act responsibly and think of others as we all work to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The impact of the virus is being felt in every community and will no doubt have an impact on our traditions and customs over Ramadan. This year some iftars (breaking the fast) will be held over video calls, and as widespread social-distancing measures have gone into effect, gatherings in mosques and homes won’t take place.

It’s been so encouraging to witness deliberate acts of courage and kindness across the country

However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, it’s been so encouraging to witness deliberate acts of courage and kindness across the country. From the people working in the frontline, many of whom are Muslim, to those delivering food to the most vulnerable and those donating to foodbanks. Let us all do what we can to help others at this time because we are all in this together.

Though we can’t gather in the usual ways this Ramadan, let us remember why we’re staying apart.

Sending warm wishes to everyone and I look forward to the time when we will be together again.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Want to know more about our frontline support package and how it’d work? Read this article to learn more:

Today, we’ve launched a plan for a comprehensive package of support for the 2.2 million NHS and social care workers on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis

The package includes: ensuring workers have the personal protective equipment they need, now; practical help to make day-to-day life a little easier; extra pay to reflect the extra dangers they face; additional support for those who die in service; and a new medal to recognise their service during this perilous time.

You can learn more about each part of the plan and how it works here: