Islwyn MP Chris Evans on coronavirus and British Airways

THE last few weeks could have come straight out of a science fiction film.

Once-bustling streets and busy roads have been replaced by silence.

Staying isolated and away from loved ones has been particularly difficult, especially for those whose family and friends have been ill.

As dark as it has been for all of us, from the Clap for Carers to the small acts of kindnesses we have seen from people all over the country, lockdown has brought out the very best in us.

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Fears the NHS would be overrun were not founded because of the resilience and common sense of the British people.

Now, as we begin the process of easing lockdown, we still face danger.

We do not yet have a vaccine for COVID-19 and therefore the risk of infection remains high.

That is why it is vitally important we continue to maintain our social distance and wash our hands more than usual.

Of course, lockdown could not continue indefinitely.

Sooner or later we must get back to some semblance of normality.

- Last week, after two months of working virtually, I stood in the chamber of the House of Commons and raised my concerns about the actions of British Airways.

Even though lockdown has highlighted a real spirit of togetherness in the country, unfortunately the same cannot be said of British Airways.

At a time when they are using taxpayer’s money to furlough their staff, they have taken advantage of the present crisis to begin a redundancy consultation process which could result in the loss of jobs at their site at Hawtin Park here in Islwyn.

On top of this, they are also attempting to alter the terms and conditions of the rest of their employees. This means that staff, many of whom will have been with BA for decades of loyal service, will have no choice but to accept the new terms.

They will struggle to find alternative employment if they do not.

To me this behaviour is morally reprehensible. The company needs to come to its senses and stop this process until the present crisis has passed.

Even though many business owners and their employees have written to me worried about the future, so far, the actions of BA has been an isolated case. In the main, the people who have contacted me have been resolute in their determination to get back to work and make a success of the new world we find ourselves living in. That is why we can feel a sense of optimism about our future.