This week, we joined the worldwide backlash against the senseless killing of George Floyd in the United States. We are proud of our long history of standing up to racism and that Tower Hamlets continues to be a borough where there is ‘No Place for Hate’, and where Black Lives Matter. On Wednesday, we lit the Bromley Public Hall in purple in memory of George Floyd and in solidarity with the many millions appalled by this issue. In Tower Hamlets we have used the message of ‘No Place for Hate’ which means not discriminating because of the colour of someone’s skin, where they are from, who they are or who they love. We show solidarity with those affected by injustice on this basis and reflect on what we can do in our lives to ensure that we are part of that ongoing fight for equality. Each of us has a part to play in achieving equality and social justice and we urge our whole community to continue to speak out against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. 

It’s also been busy with changes to the coronavirus restrictions coming into play and the publication of a major Public Health England report into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on people from a black and minority ethnic background. Next week, I will meet with health experts at Queen Mary University to understand this better and to see what local guidance and other steps we can take to provide greater protection for our residents. 

More generally, I know many people are finding the government’s new guidance more difficult to understand and that many of you remain nervous. In the near future, we will be issuing further local guidance based on our challenges here in the East End to help you. Returning the borough to the new normal is going to be a difficult and slow process but together I have no doubt we can make it work. Getting people back to work and school is vital for our wellbeing, our children’s education and our economy – but it must be done safely. We’ve been working with our schools to help them begin to open their doors safely to more pupils this week. 

On Wednesday, I also chaired our first live digital Cabinet meeting. I was pleased to welcome four councillors to new roles and I look forward to working with them to deliver for our residents. During the meeting, we took a minute to pause and remember all those who have lost their lives to coronavirus as well as those who are facing injustice. The meeting also gave us an opportunity to discuss the council’s response to this unprecedented crisis and the steps we’re taking to move forward together with our partners. This weekend, please continue to take care and follow social distancing guidance. We are making good progress but we must continue for the long haul. 

 If you're visiting our parks or public spaces, please make sure you use the bins or take your rubbish with you. And finally, if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill in our coronavirus impact survey. This will help us plan our services so that we can respond to the specific issues faced by our communities and provide support on the road ahead. 

It's Volunteer's Week and we've been celebrating the thousands of volunteers who have supported vulnerable residents and made a real difference in our communities. We have shared some of your stories online and say a big thank you to everyone who has volunteered or offered their support in Tower Hamlets in so many different ways! If you're interested in volunteering, you can offer support through the Tower Hamlets Volunteer Centre.

Stay safe, Mayor John Biggs