Opinion: “Although we come from different backgrounds, and sometimes speak different languages, we proved that we are one city”

A few weeks ago, I supported a small gathering of community leaders and organisations at the Tavan restaurant.

It was hosted by Zillur Hussain – one of our Peterborough Coronavirus Heroes – and his charity, the Zi Foundation.

I wanted to thank them for what they did during lockdown. Although we come from different backgrounds, and sometimes speak different languages, we proved that we are one city.

What happened here was genuinely special. As I’m not in the least bit shy about telling my colleagues in Parliament, Peterborough came together like no other place in the UK.

The latest data shows that the virus is still with us and cases are rising again. Fortunately, the Prime Minister stopped short of a return to lockdown, but new restrictions are in place. We all need to be careful and follow social distancing.

Even without this potential ‘second wave’, many families and individuals are vulnerable and need support. The City Council and local support services can only offer so much and there is a role for others. That was the lesson of our Tavan gathering.

It was volunteers and community workers who brought people together.

Our restaurants and takeaways helped feed rough sleepers. Our business donated supplies and equipment to charities supporting those with learning disabilities. We ensured that people who were shielding and food banks had enough.

Although my own role was relatively small, it was one of most personally fulfilling things I have done. The message I shared at the gathering, however, was that the effort is far from over.

We can and must continue our city-wide work through the winter and beyond the pandemic. Community leaders are keen and I am determined to play my part as Peterborough’s MP.

I met with the team at Morrisons on Lincoln Road last week.

They have staff dedicated to community work and helping others. I am connecting them with a local group and I hope, as a result, they will be able to support vulnerable families with food and support packages.

Our restaurants and takeaways continue to work with the Garden House, providing meals for rough sleepers and those seeking long-term accommodation.

As I’ve said before, I love being this City’s MP. I am proud of what we are achieving, but I am very aware that my time in this job isn’t up to me – it’s down to you.

So I try to make every day count. Helping to bring people and communities together is a good way to make a difference and make people feel better about Peterborough.

I know that many local constituents are concerned about the new national restrictions, which have a real impact on our normal freedoms. These aren’t steps that anyone willingly takes.

We do need to continue with our lives, to the extent we can, until a safe and workable vaccine is found.

We can still eat out and we can still go to the pub.

We can still meet others. And we can still help others.

It isn’t life as it should be, but nor is it lockdown.

Let’s be responsible, follow the guidance and avoid that worrying prospect.

We all long for this to be over. As those who gathered at Tavan prove, Peterborough is stronger together. We will get through this together and emerge the better.