Following a spike in coronavirus infections in Tower Hamlets, Rushanara Ali MP raised her concerns, and outlined what steps the government should be taking to tackle this. 

Rushanara said: 

"I’m extremely concerned about the spike in coronavirus cases in Tower Hamlets and a number of other London boroughs.

With infections rising and the testing and tracing system on its knees, we are in a very difficult position, given an impending second wave and no plan from the government. It is also a complete disgrace that the government has stopped regular testing in our care homes. This is risking the lives of the elderly and vulnerable once again and it seems this government has learnt little from the high death rates in our care homes.

I welcome the introduction of local restrictions where needed, as these will help reduce the risk of a further national lockdown. Many health professionals are increasingly concerned about the rising infection rates in London, and there is a strong case for restrictions to households mixing for a period of time if we are to prevent further rises in infections and further deaths.

Inner London Borough’s like Tower Hamlets have high-risk factors with high levels of health inequalities, high population density and severe housing overcrowding. The government has kept London MPs in the dark and has failed to discuss what their plans are for sorting out testing and preventing the increase in infection rates, putting people’s lives and livelihoods at risk. We are also yet to see an action plan on what measures the government will take to prevent the further risk of higher death rates among BAME communities as infection rates rise. This is a massive concern in our ethnically diverse borough and city. It is completely unacceptable."