Barking and Dagenham has recently received national attention for its BD CAN programme, which you can find on the council’s website.

It supports local volunteer organisations to help vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 crisis.

The borough can be proud of being a leader in the field, once again.

Elsewhere, I’ve been meeting regularly online with the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, the deputy mayor for policing and others, to keep abreast of the situation on the ground and to support the Met during this difficult time.

Sadly, domestic violence has been on the increase during the lockdown and I urge everyone to report any incidents to the police.

Please do not suffer in silence. Help is available via the council website and the police have said to ring 999 in urgent cases.

The London Assembly has had its annual meeting, and I will continue as the chairman of the police and crime committee, as well as now being a member of the oversight, economy, budget and health committees.

Through these, I will work to provide support for our community during the Covid-19 outbreak and its aftermath.

I found myself very moved by the recent VE Day 75 commemorations.

All who have given their lives to protect us, then or more recently, have our enduring respect and heartfelt gratitude.

Community spirit is much needed right now, so it was good to see enthusiastic local support for VE Day and St George’s Day.

Please remember to closely follow social distancing guidelines. Keep safe and well.