The minister for vaccine deployment, Nadhim Zahawi MP, recently appeared before London Assembly Members. It was positive to get his reassurances that steps are being taken to further accelerate the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines, which is very good news to welcome in 2021.

The virus is still with us for now, however, and I recently learned of the death of a personal friend, Pc Sukh Singh, who worked in Bethnal Green Police Station.

I urge everyone to take the vaccine when it is offered to you, so we can sooner see an end to tragic news like this.

There are lots of misleading rumours flying around about the vaccines, so I want to be clear: it is safe to take, and it is effective.

I would also encourage local people without symptoms, and especially those who can’t work from home, to take a regular precautionary lateral flow test. More information on asymptomatic testing in Tower Hamlets can be found on the council’s website.