Cllr Jas Athwal and Mayor Sadiq Khan are calling for more money for those self-isolating (Credit: Editadelaide)
Cllr Jas Athwal threw his support behind Sadiq Khan’s plea for the government to increase funds for those told to self-isolate.
Earlier today, the mayor declared a ‘major incident’ due to the rapid spread of the new and more infectious strain of the virus.
He said the city is at “crisis point” as London hospitals now have a third more seriously ill patients than in the Spring “yet the restrictions in London are less serious than they were”.
There’s no doubt that we’re facing the most dangerous moment yet in this pandemic.
The truth is I’ve never been more concerned than I am right now.
At this critical moment for our city – I implore Londoners to please stay at home.pic.twitter.com/LAQa7mbIrM
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 8, 2021
Mr Khan said he had written to Boris Johnson asking for more financial support for Londoners unable to work because they are following government guidance.
In the letter he also sought powers to close places of worship and require masks be worn in crowded outdoor places.
“I have never been more concerned than I am now,” he said.
Hours later Mr Athwal joined his Labour colleague to press for more financial support.
He said: “The situation we are facing in London today is dire.
“Our hardworking health and emergency service teams are at breaking point and this cannot continue, or there will be even more loss of life.
“I call on the government to hear and respond to the Mayor’s call for more money, and on our residents to follow the guidance.
“There is no silver bullet when it comes to fighting this virus, only by working together will we overcome the pandemic and get some semblance of normality back into our lives.
“This means clear leadership, direction and financial support from Government.”
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Tags: Sadiq Khan, Redbridge, Jas Athwal, Coronavirus, self-isolate, major incident
