After so many setbacks in tackling the Covid pandemic - with the loss of so many, far too many lives - the successful NHS vaccine roll out has brought the prospect of all restrictions being lifted by mid-June.
That’s great news and it’s time to celebrate the true British heroes of this dark time. Captain Sir Tom Moore and Marcus Rashford are notable individuals whose selfless efforts benefited so many in need.
The volunteers who came forward here in Barking and Dagenham and across the country to support those who were shielding and families struggling under real financial pressure shone a light on the best of Britain. I also pay tribute to local businesses who more than stepped up, funding computers for local schools, supporting services with PPE and helping to keep the wheels turning through a very difficult year.
Beyond all of this we owe a great debt to all who work in the NHS and the care sector. Throughout the crisis they provided the care and treatment to our loved ones and quite literally put their lives on the line daily.
I hoped that the government would do the right thing in the budget and deliver pay increases for these heroes we all clapped for on Thursday evenings last year. The government failed that test, proposing an insulting 1 per cent rise. The budget was also silent on social care.
I can’t help but contrast this treatment with the millions of pounds lavished on contracts to Conservative Party donors and their friends, in most instances without any form of competitive tendering.
Over the next months as we hopefully emerge from this crisis
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