MAYOR’S STATEMENT FOLLOWING MEETING WITH PM ON COVID-19 RECOVERY

Published 1 May 2020 at 1:57pm

Following a meeting with the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the M9 group of Mayors on recovery plans from the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said:

“I welcome the commitment from the Prime Minister to work closely with Mayors to lead the country out of the coronavirus pandemic. We must build on these constructive discussions to ensure Mayors have a strong mandate to transform our economy and society.

“Every death from this cruel virus is a tragedy, and stark ONS data shows it has hit hard in places already struggling: there has been an eight-fold loss of life in poorer communities compared to the least deprived. We know health and economic fortunes are intertwined, and Covid-19 risks exacerbating these divides.

“That is the scale of the underlying challenges we must overcome, so it’s vital Mayors have meaningful powers and resources to unite the country and truly level up.

“South Yorkshire stands ready to not just close these divides but play a leading role in transforming our region and nation: whether that’s delivering major transport infrastructure, creating a cleaner and greener environment, and unlocking prosperity and opportunity for all.

“We must seize the opportunity to build a better Britain – not just recovery, but renewal. I will be working with the Government and fellow Mayors to deliver for our communities. It is needed now more than ever.”