Hackney teachers and schools achieved a miracle when they transformed, in a matter of days, to teach and support students virtually. But the Government is letting them down by hinting at a physical return without any proper guidance or plans to keep students and teachers safe.

Parliament is still working but with a mixture of virtual and physically present, socially distant MPs.

This week I continued to press the Government on freelancers, the self-employed, and small businesses falling through the gaps of Government support schemes. See me raise these concerns in the Finance Bill debate here.

Parliament returned virtually this week with Labour’s new leader, Keir Starmer, challenging the Government over its poor record on testing and PPE. 

I’m continuing to press the Government over small businesses, the self-employed, freelancers, and vulnerable families still falling through the gaps of Government support. 

I also met with local Hackney groups and we are determined to help those affected by the digital divide. 

See me discuss this and more in my new weekly round-up above.

This week the Government has announced a three-week extension to the lockdown but we still have no information on what might come next. This is not good enough. We need a discussion about how the Government will plan its next steps so that no person or business is left behind.

Next week Parliament will meet, for the first time in its history, virtually. I welcome this important step as it is vital MPs can challenge ministers about actions and decisions on important issues. These include: 

Having been pressed for action for some time, the Government finally announced support for charities and the voluntary sector.

I was also pleased to learn that Victoria Park will reopen on Saturday, although opening hours are shorter than usual – the park will close each day at 4pm.

Although it’s due to be sunny and warm this weekend, please keep following the lock down advice. We may be nearing the peak of the pandemic, and it is essential that everyone does their bit by staying home as much as possible.

Too many people are falling through the gaps and missing out on Government support during this public health emergency.

If you’ve written in, thank you! I’ve been feeding in your personal experiences to press the Government to step up its support. Please bear with me and my team as I write back to you all.

This week I've been pressing the Government on:

✅ Time limits for the Coronavirus Bill
✅ Support for start-ups, small businesses and the self-employed
✅ Homes for overcrowded and homeless families

If you know a friend or neighbour who’s been forced to self-isolate because of coronavirus or who is ill – check up on them, give them a ring. We need to continue looking out for one another in Hackney.

For a summary of my week in Westminster and Hackney see my round-up above. 

Workers shouldn’t have to choose between working whilst ill or not eating.

See me discuss this and more in my new weekly round-up below. 

This week I met with representatives from the National Education Union to discuss the chronic underfunding of sixth form colleges.

In Hackney, pupil funding per head has fallen by £704 with sixth form colleges hit even worse.

See me discuss this and more in my new weekly round-up.