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.
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.
Today is A-Level results day!
This year has been particularly difficult – my thoughts are with everyone getting their results.
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.