The vaccine rollout continues apace, with April a big month for second doses, and I received fantastic news from health secretary Matt Hancock that Havering South Primary Care Network (PCN) is now one of the best performing vaccination teams in the country.

Since my last column, I continue to receive regular updates from our local NHS teams - with a much better picture on hospital admissions, focus is now turning to work on tackling non-Covid waiting lists.

Romford Recorder: Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and UpminsterJulia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster (Image: Richard Townshend Photography)

As we welcome the next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown, with non-essential shops and services now back open, my team and I have been working to support local businesses.

We have arranged an online event with small business minister Paul Scully, who has been listening to firms across the country about the support they need.

Last Friday, I also hosted an online training session with Google’s Digital Garage for small businesses, charities and other organisations in the constituency. Many have had to adapt swiftly and go online during the pandemic, and I wanted to host a session with digital trainers to share some tips on how organisations can improve their digital marketing and reach new audiences as the virtual world becomes ever more important.

In looking to the next unlocking dates in May and June, we are also trying to support those organisations not yet able to open, like the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch.

The culture secretary confirmed over Easter that they will receive a further £148,500 to prepare for reopening and recovery. We are also preparing our parks as part of the Great British Spring Clean.

As ever, if anyone has any enquiries which me and my team can assist with, please do get in touch.