The Government confirmed plans for the further easing of lockdown restrictions from this Monday 19 July. But, as ever, we got muddled messaging - this time on face masks. On the one hand the Government is encouraging the continued use of face masks in certain settings, but on the other hand it is removing the legal requirement to do so.
The Prime Minister announced the plan for the further easing of lockdown restrictions on 19 July. Subject to a final review of the data next week, from Monday 19 July face masks will no longer be mandatory, all businesses still closed (such as nightclubs) will be able to reopen, and there'll be no social distancing requirements. See here for further details.
The Delta variant is spreading fast with infection rates in Hackney as high as last November.
If you have not already received your COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment now - it's the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones. See here for the latest COVID-19 data in Hackney and see here to book your appointment.
Read my Monthly Report for June 2021 here.
Thanks to Plastic Free Hackney for raising with me concerns about the poor recycling rates of disposable cups in Parliament. During the pandemic, I’ve become increasing concerned about the impact that many new behaviours are having on sustainability and our need to urgently transition to a net zero economy. On the parliamentary estate, for instance, you are no longer allowed to bring your own reusable cups when purchasing a drink. This is a small but important example of how we can slowly start going backwards on these important issues.
I pressed the Government over concerning reports that the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, and other ministers conducted government business using private email communications.
If true, it would mean that neither government officials nor the National Audit Office were able to scrutinise these exchanges to ensure due process was followed. This is unacceptable. How decisions on taxpayers’ money are reached should be fully transparent.
See my weekly round-up below for an update on my advice surgeries in Hackney. I am piloting Town Hall surgeries but prioritising personal cases, particularly those who have struggled to contact me and other services online during the pandemic.
Are you 18+ and need to receive your first COVID-19 vaccine?
You can this Saturday at the London Stadium, Olympic Park, Stratford at a mass vaccination event.
This is your chance to receive a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine this weekend. See here for further details and to book.
I pressed the head of the Environment Agency over the sewage overflows that are discharged into the River Lea. It is happening too often - I'll remain on the case.
See here to watch my questions on this in full.