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.
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.
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.
Better track and trace data means better outcomes in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
I’m pressing the Government so Hackney and Hackney Council gets the data it needs to keep us safe.
Young Hackney – I want to hear your voice!
The English Speaking Union’s ‘Festival of Speaking’ is your chance to record a quick clip of you speaking about anything you are passionate about. You can also recite a poem or a play.
Click here to find out more and don’t forget to use the hashtags #esuhackney and #esufestivalofspeaking so I can hear what you have to say.
Weekend raves in local parks like London Fields cannot continue. Without proper safeguards, the Government’s rushed easing of alcohol licensing restrictions is only making things worse.
Of course, businesses need support but not at any cost. We have already seen antisocial behaviour on a scale that would have been unimaginable a few months ago.
Before Covid-19 I held open advice surgeries at Hackney Town Hall twice a month for local residents as well as local doorstep surgeries.
With lockdown measures being slowly eased by the Government, I am looking at how to hold advice surgeries and meet with residents. I understand that not everyone has access to the internet and face to face appointments provide a vital service for many. However, ensuring everyone’s safety is the most important issue.
I have received an unprecedented amount of emails from constituents regarding policy issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the Gender Recognition Act. Thank you for contacting me and raising your concerns and support. I am responding to everyone individually however, due to increased levels of correspondence this is taking longer than expected.
If you have emailed me on an issue, I will respond to you. Thank you for your patience.
Already in Hackney, we’ve had pubs selling takeaway alcohol. This has caused scenes of havoc in places like London Fields with mounds of rubbish, urination and defecation.
Hackney Council is on the case but the Government must get a grip and address the practicalities around the easing of restrictions.
The Government must also understand the cost to local taxpayers of the clean up and stewarding. The extra cost needs to be paid by the Government to protect already stretched local services.
This is a difficult time for many people living in Hackney. However, there is support available to you. This is a quick changing situation and I will keep the below links updated. Please remember my office remains open so please email meg.hillier.mp@parliament.uk if you need any assistance.
Government information: For all information and guidance released by the Government about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please see here; https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus