In the London Assembly Plenary session on Covid-19, Caroline asked about ensuring vulnerable groups including the homeless, vulnerable migrants and sex workers can get vaccinated without needing to register with a GP, which is not possible for some. Caroline welcomed the work being done to ensure the vaccine is available to these groups.
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Mayor of Hackney regarding Sistah Space, the charity which provides pan-London specialist domestic abuse support services for Black and Afro-Caribbean women and girls
Caroline stressed that Sistah Space must be protected, especially with the impact lockdown and Covid-19 are having on cases of domestic violence.
Caroline said:
Monday's announcement has made clear that we must all stay at home except for essential purposes. The message is once again: Stay Home – Protect the NHS – Save Lives.
More information on what the rules are and the reasons you are able to leave home are at gov.uk.
This will be a difficult time for many, and please do remember there are lots of people who can help if you are struggling with mental ill-health:
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Women's Aid and the Rail Delivery Group launched a scheme providing free train travel to those fleeing domestic abuse, which has since helped hundreds of survivors.
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon asked the Mayor of London if Transport for London would look at a similar scheme.
Commenting on Transport for London's decision to add Thameslink temporarily to the Tube Map during 2021, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“This is an incredibly welcome decision and should have been made months ago.
“It is a change that I have long advocated and it is good to see TfL finally listening.
“A line which offers a Tube-like service in so many respects should of course be on the Tube map.
When challenged by Caroline Pidgeon in the London Assembly, the Mayor of London refused to apologise that it has taken 8 months for COVID-19 secure guiding and physical assistance to be provided for the blind and visually impaired on Transport for London services.
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for him to consider including the Southeastern route between Stratford International and St Pancras in the Travelcard Zoning System.
This would open up new travel routes to many in East London and reduce overcrowding, both now and as we recover from COVID-19.
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Mayor of London stressing the importance of London's community sports clubs, and calling for the creation of a Sports Recovery Fund.
Sport doesn't just improve physical health but can also be important for mental health too. Sports clubs and facilities will play a crucial role as we recover from COVID-19.
You can sign a petition for the creation of a Sports Recovery Fund here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/553619.
Caroline spoke in the London Assembly to second a motion on trialling Universal Basic Income in London.
It was very disappointing that Labour and the Tories did not allow a vote on the motion. Despite what they say, now is the perfect time for a trial, given the impacts of COVID-19.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the news of a new funding deal between the Government and TfL, said:
“I am relieved that the foolish and damaging proposals to strip away free transport for under 18 year olds have finally been dropped.
“Young people are suffering enough and these proposals should never have even been considered. I congratulate everyone, and especially young people, who have fought so hard for these proposals to be dropped.
