We are all fighting a common enemy

At the time of going to press, we have had the disconcerting news that Boris Johnson is in Intensive Care. By the time you read this, my hope is that we will have better news and of course I extend to him every good wish for recovery.

What it does underline for all of us is that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons. Secondly, although the PM is the leader of the Government, it is essentially

Cabinet that makes the decisions and so of course the process will continue notwithstanding the absence of the leader.

Last weekend also saw the long-awaited result of the Labour Party leadership contest with Sir Keir Starmer emerging victorious. His victory was hardly the customary adulation-fest with his supporters, but one of his first acts as Labour leader was to offer to work with the Government in this national emergency, telling Mr Johnson that he could expect a ‘critical but constructive’ approach.

Both these events lend emphasis to my point today. We are all fighting a common enemy and, regardless of our differences (including political ideology), we need to unite to get behind the national effort and that of Peterborough in particular. So I want to thank and congratulate all of you who are doing splendid work locally to meet the demands of our local communities.

Last week I questioned whether or not the Government was doing enough and that’s still an open question, but I can’t praise highly enough the work that’s being done within and around Peterborough, mainly on a voluntary basis.

I’ve been working closely with our MP Paul Bristow coordinating many of the offers of support that have come in from both businesses and individuals. I want to thank Paul for all his efforts. It’s impossible for me to single people out here - there are too many and not enough space. You (and those who benefit) know who you are. They include businesses who have turned their unused capacity into a resource to meet the crisis, and also individuals who are not themselves at significant risk and have offered their time and energy to help the less fortunate.

The national call for volunteers to assist the NHS and social care has resulted in three times the number of volunteers needed, and some of this number will be starting their duties this week. I say ‘duties’ but this is service beyond the call of duty.

Let’s continue to show that same drive locally and unite to meet and overcome the current crisis.

Apart from the many instances that I’ve seen in our own community, as always I am in awe of the selfless dedication shown by our NHS workers, a number of whom have died in the effort to help others.

Leaving aside my admiration for the outpouring of voluntary help, this should of course be merely a toppingup of the Government’s handling of the challenges, at both national and local level. Sir Keir Starmar hit the nail on the head with his definition of ‘a critical but constructive friend’.

The whole point of the two-party system that we have in the UK is that the role of the Opposition is to challenge the Government of the day and hold it to account.

This system is replicated in regional and local government. To fail in this challenge is to let down the electorate, not only in Peterborough but nationall y, and ultimately the country and ourselves.

Finally, I pointed out the obvious at the start in saying that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons.

That includes YOU - so stay in, stay safe, not only for your own sake but for the sake of everyone else.