Lessons must be learned as we go forward

As we continue in this third lockdown, I know that people in Canterbury are exhausted and anxious. But with the roll-out of the vaccine there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So, rather than looking back, I want to look forward to this time next year. When we reflect on 2020 and 2021, what is it that we will have learned? Firstly, that human beings are incredible. In the space of a few months,safe vaccines for coronavirus have been developed. That we have delivered a concerted global effort to tackle coronavirus, gives me hope that we will look back on the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November 2021 as the point when we come together to produce a meaningful response to the climate emergency.

Secondly, that our public servants are magnificent and that reversing the 10 years of cuts to schools, the police and the NHS is imperative. That our doctors, nurses and other NHS staff, despite being under months of incredible pressure, have helped heal the nation. That our teachers at our local schools, lecturers at the University of Kent,

Christ Church, UCA and education support staff adapted at short notice to maintain teaching and learning.

Thirdly, that the key workers in retail, distribution, transport and communications who we clapped and who kept the country going should be valued and properly rewarded.

Finally, that kindness and community are fundamental to a decent society. That looking out for our friends and neighbours and those who are less fortunate should not stop when the pandemic is over.

Of course, there will be harder lessons from the pandemic. Why here in Kent and across the UK we have had higher numbers of cases, more deaths and a worse economic downturn than other countries? But I am also hopeful that we will also have learned that kindness, community, valuing work and decent public services are fundamental to a healthy and happy society.

‘Looking out for our friends and neighbours and those who are less fortunate should not stop when the pandemic is over’