Wrekin MP, Mark Pritchard, has welcomed the news that the Government is supporting five research centres which are carrying out research on mitochondrial disease.

Mark has spoken in a House of Commons debate on the Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The full text of Mark's speech is below.

Today is Victory in Europe Day. 75 years on, we remember our people's long defiance against Hitler and Nazi aggression, leading to the victory of freedom that day. We will never forget it.

Mark Pritchard MP has welcomed the new support offered by the Government to dairy farmers in Shropshire and across the country whose businesses have been affected by the Covid-19 virus outbreak.

In response to the news, Mark said:

Today in Parliament Mark Pritchard MP asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, to update the House of Commons on how the UK is assisting international efforts to tackle Covid-19.

The horticultural sector is vital to Shropshire's economy and employs thousands of people.

Mark is supporting a campaign to secure more government support for garden centres and nurseries during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced the following extra support for UK businesses:

1. Loans worth 25% of turnover, up to £50,000

2. Government paying interest for the first 12 months

3. 100% government guaranteed

4. No red tape or test of viability

The Coronavirus crisis has many people isolated and cut off from friends and family.

While it can be tough to stay at home all day, for many people it can mean being alone in care homes or hospital, with no visitors and limited entertainment.

• The Government will pay self-employed people across the whole UK who have been adversely affected by Coronavirus a grant worth 80 per cent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 a month, for three months.