Dear John,

On Wednesday, the UK reported zero daily Covid deaths for the first time since March 2020. This fantastic news can only be the result of the herculean effort by the NHS of the vaccine rollout. 
  
In spite of this, we are also starting to see the number of Covid cases rising, with 75% of these being confirmed as the Indian variant. This confirms the terrible consequence of the Conservatives’ reckless refusal to secure our borders against new mutations of the virus. Weeks prior to the Government taking any action, myself and other Labour colleagues were calling for both, a proper hotel quarantine system and for India to be put on the Red List.  
 
It is the Government’s weak, slow decision-making on border policy that has let this variant in and is putting the easing of further restrictions in doubt. In Birmingham, the Covid case rate more than doubled from the week of 23rd May, from the week prior (42.1 cases per 100,000 population, compared to 24.4 per 100,000). For me, this stresses the need for everyone to take up the vaccine appointment as soon as it is offered to them. It is the only way we will see cases stop rising and an end to the social restrictions that have needed to be put in place. 

The Commonwealth Games will soon be coming to Birmingham, but any major sporting event of this size relies on the fantastic volunteers that power it. I was thrilled to attend the launch of Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games volunteers' programme. The Games will be a real moment for the city, but they won’t be able to take place without the 13,000 additional people that are needed.  
We need these volunteers from all walks of life to apply so that the dedicated volunteers who will be the heartbeat of the Games, represent the vibrancy and diversity of Birmingham. Whether you’re looking to be a driver, a kit carrier or courtside assistant, this programme represents a fantastic chance for everyone to get involved, make new friends and even learn new skills. It really will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 
 
Applications are now open to join the programme - the Commonwealth Collective. 

This week, I joined with colleagues from across the political divide to put my name in support of the amendment that would see the aid budget restored to its 0.7% GNI commitment. When deciding on cuts to the budget, the Foreign Secretary failed to conduct impact assessments and slashed everything from aid to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen to programmes tracking new Covid variants.  
 
As we can see from those who have put their names to this amendment, it is not a party-political issue. It is a moral one. Should the amendment not pass at the vote on Monday, it will cost thousands of lives.  
 
As the only G7 country to cut aid in the middle of a pandemic, the UK's credibility as a leader on the greatest global challenges has been undermined. Ahead of hosting the G7, the Conservative Government should take this opportunity to stop its retreat from the world stage, do the right thing and reinstate our commitment to 0.7%. 
 
I spoke with LBC Radio and BBC News this week which you can watch on the link below.

This week the Government lifted the evictions ban, which has been in place since the very beginning of the pandemic, over one million people fear losing their homes.  
 
400,000 people around the UK have already been served eviction notices or have been warned of eviction. This has been a foreseeable issue given the increasing levels of unemployment from the pandemic. However, a recent survey showed that only 7% of renters in the private sector are aware of their rights as a tenant. These statistics are worrying when we consider that one in eight private rented homes in England are unsafe. Overcrowding and poor housing conditions are significant safety concerns, which can affect private renters’ health, safety and wellbeing. 
 
I’m delighted to be supporting the first ever Renters’ Rights Awareness Week. Taking place from 14-20 June, it has been organised by Generation Rent, the campaign group working to ensure every home in the private rented sector is safe, secure and affordable. 
 
Not only will private renters be able to join online webinars free of charge, but they’ll be able to download factsheets with the latest renters’ rights information. These factsheets will be available in English and a variety of different languages.