Meg receives a response from the Department for Education about the re-opening of schools

All students are due to return to school in the coming weeks. I’m clear that getting children back to school safely and a having plan in place for any Covid-related disruption must be the Government's top priority.

 

A number of constituents contacted me expressing concerns about how schools can re-open safely. I have now received this response from the Department for Education. I welcome the £650 million catch-up premium for schools and the £350 million National Tutoring Programme that will target support for the most disadvantaged pupils.

 

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There's still time to help Meg find Hackney's NHS heroes

I’m proud at how Hackney, and everyone involved with the NHS in Hackney, has pulled together during this public health emergency. Never has it been more apparent that it is the tireless and unwavering commitment of frontline staff that helps keep our NHS going. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the 1.3 million-strong army of nurses, midwives, doctors, physios, pharmacists, healthcare and maternity care assistants, porters, cleaners, and countless other staff who ensure that our NHS is there for every patient that needs it.

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GCSE Results Day 2020

It’s GCSE results day today!

 

I know this year has been especially difficult. You've all done so well completing an important stage in your education.

 

My thoughts are with everyone getting their results today.

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Don't scrap free travel for under-18s

On Monday, the Government listened to young people and were forced to u-turn on the A-level results shambles.

Now the Government must do the same again on free travel for under-18s in London. Scrapping free travel is effectively a tax on education.

The Government should listen to the voice of young Hackney and young London and u-turn on this. 

If you agree, sign the petition here. 

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Meg asks us to be mindful of our deaf community whilst face coverings are worn

As we adjust to a new normal of wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I’m mindful about the impact on deaf people and individuals who are hard of hearing who often depend on lip-reading in their daily life.

As face coverings are likely to be with us for a long time, it’s important we are aware of some of the new barriers this may create and how we can best mitigate these.

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Meg needs your help for the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2020

I’m proud at how Hackney, and everyone involved with the NHS in Hackney, has pulled together during this public health emergency. Never has it been more apparent that it is the tireless and unwavering commitment of frontline staff that helps keep our NHS going. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the 1.3 million-strong army of nurses, midwives, doctors, physios, pharmacists, healthcare and maternity care assistants, porters, cleaners, and countless other staff who ensure that our NHS is there for every patient that needs it.

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Meg's weekly round-up: Friday 31 July

The Government’s track record of muddled messaging and confused guidance continues. Click here to see my latest statement.

 

Also the Public Accounts Committee called out the Government's reckless and negligent approach to social care. And good news for ISS key workers at Homerton Hospital.
 

 
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Meg comments on the delay of easing restrictions

It's absolutely right that public health comes first but Government communication has been chaotic and this week particularly so. It's confusing for us all and will hit hard businesses that were expecting to reopen on the 1st August.

The Government needs to be clear and definite in its message when it makes a decision. It cannot announce a decision and then make up the details on the hoof.

What we've had is a PM who shifts from over-optimistic and ridiculous phrases like "we’ll beat this virus" to the more cautious tone of recent days.

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