After so many setbacks in tackling the Covid pandemic with the loss of far too many lives, the successful NHS vaccine roll out has brought the prospect of all restrictions being lifted by mid June.

That’s great news and it’s time to celebrate the true British heroes of this dark time. Captain Sir Tom Moore and Marcus Rashford are notable individuals whose selfless efforts benefited so many in need.

The volunteers who came forward here in Havering and across the country to support those who were shielding and families struggling under real financial pressure shone a light on the best of Britain.

I also pay tribute to local businesses who more than stepped up, funding computers for our local schools and making sure the Mardyke Community Centre can continue its work are just two examples of the strength of our society.

Romford Recorder: MP Jon Cruddas will press for funding to support social care and NHSMP Jon Cruddas will press for funding to support social care and NHS (Image: Andrew Achilleos)

Beyond all of this we owe a great debt to all who work in the NHS and the care sector. Throughout the crisis they provided the care and treatment to our loved ones and quite literally put their lives on the line on a daily basis.

So I hoped that the government in the budget would do the right thing and fund deserved pay increases for these heroes we all clapped for on those Thursday evenings last year. The government failed that test, proposing an insulting 1 per cent rise.

The budget was silent on support for the social care sector that is on the edge. I can’t help but contrast this treatment with the literally hundreds of millions of pounds lavished on contracts to Conservative Party donors and their friends, in most instances without any form of competitive tendering.

Over the next months as we hopefully emerge from this crisis I will press for justice in rewarding those workers we depend upon and for funding to support social care and NHS.