Coronavirus articles

The Met must investigate the alleged COVID rule breaches at Downing Street

Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner regarding the alleged COVID-19 breaches at 10 Downing Street late last year.

Caroline wrote:

"Many Londoners working on the COVID-19 frontline, in our shops and on our transport network have put themselves at risk over the last 20 months, including during last Christmas, and they will share my dismay at these alleged breaches, as will all those who did the right thing and cancelled plans last Christmas.

No excuse for continuing to restrict Freedom Pass travel

The London Assembly has unanimously backed Caroline Pidgeon's motion calling on the Mayor to reverse the restrictions that prevent Freedom Pass holders using their pass in morning peak hours.

Caroline said:

“The suspension of concessionary travel for 60+ Oyster photocard and Older Person’s Freedom Pass holders before 9am on weekdays was supposed to be only a temporary measure, yet it is still in place 15 months after it was first introduced and with no indication as to when it will be finally lifted.

Government and the Mayor must address Covid’s impacts on London’s women

Writing for the OnLondon website, Caroline Pidgeon describes the deep economic impact that the pandemic has had on women in London, how it has set back progress on equality, and the need for action from the Government and the Mayor.

We need to be incentivising companies in London to tackle gender inequality in the workplace as we recover from Covid-19. Lib Dem mayoral candidate Luisa Porritt was a champion for gender pay equality as an MEP and would champion the cause from City Hall too as the capital’s first female Mayor.

Ensure blind and partially sighted people have easy access to the vaccine

Working with the RNIB, Caroline has been raising concerns over the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination for blind and partially sighted people.

The reply from London's Joint Chief Regional Nurse is encouraging, but clearly a lot more needs to be done, especially at a national level, to ensure all information is accessible. We must ensure access to the vaccine is as easy as possible for all of those with disabilities.

London Assembly calls for funding to support a Cenotaph to honour NHS workers

The London Assembly has voted unanimously for Caroline Pidgeon's motion, calling for an Emergency Services Cenotaph in London to pay tribute to those who have worked and volunteered for the NHS and other emergency services across the UK.

Two million emergency services and NHS workers are currently on the frontline helping the UK fight against COVID-19. It is more important than ever to recognise the bravery of those who have risked their lives to protect others from the devasting impacts of the pandemic.

The new lockdown rules – and how to get help when you need it

Monday's announcement has made clear that we must all stay at home except for essential purposes. The message is once again: Stay Home – Protect the NHS – Save Lives.

More information on what the rules are and the reasons you are able to leave home are at gov.uk.

This will be a difficult time for many, and please do remember there are lots of people who can help if you are struggling with mental ill-health:

  • Samaritans - 116 123

Thameslink on the Tube map is welcome – it should be a permanent change!

Commenting on Transport for London's decision to add Thameslink temporarily to the Tube Map during 2021, Caroline Pidgeon said:

“This is an incredibly welcome decision and should have been made months ago.

“It is a change that I have long advocated and it is good to see TfL finally listening.

“A line which offers a Tube-like service in so many respects should of course be on the Tube map.

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