Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, said:
“On behalf of the London Assembly I send my condolences to Londoners who are suffering the loss of loved ones, friends and colleagues from COVID-19.
“Many of those who have died are frontline workers – providing health care, transport, food and medicine and other essential services to Londoners during a crisis which has no precedent in our lifetimes. They have given their lives for us. When this is over we will owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
“While the waters will eventually close over this crisis, the memory of it will not so easily fade for those who have been bereaved. We must walk alongside them and hold their pain in our hearts in perpetuity.
“We, the London Assembly, thank you and will strive to honour you and all those that have died - now and in the years to come.
“And we pay tribute to all key workers and volunteers who are exposing themselves to COVID-19 for the good of the London community. You and your families live with the anxiety and the risk every day and you do so for your neighbours, your communities, for all of us. Thank you.
“In time, the London Assembly will ask questions and seek to learn lessons looking at how the Mayor and the Government dealt with this crisis. We will do so in the spirit of understanding and not to criticise for the sake of criticising. However, this is not that time. Now we seek only to offer support and to stand together as Londoners, in solidarity, love and support, during this difficult time.
“In the meantime, as the situation progresses, it is vital that we all continue to look after each other across our communities and follow Government and official scientific advice.
“Please check the NHS website and the Government’s COVID-19 advice pages for the latest information.”
Notes to editors
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.