I start on a tragic note regarding the stabbings that took place on an LNER train at the weekend.
I am heartbroken for those who have been affected or injured in this incident. The response of the emergency services was admirable and they have my complete appreciation. The coordinated team response we were involved in was commendable.
My thoughts are also with the driver who acted quickly and the LNER staff member who was seriously injured whilst protecting others. I would like to place on record my thanks to them on behalf of the whole city.
As ever, I’m proud of our city’s history of pulling together when times are hard. Please do reach out to loved ones you know who are affected or feeling vulnerable right now. I want to assure people that security and police presence has been ramped up in the city and at the station. I am resolute that those responsible should face the full force of the law.
Two poignant events are taking place in the city over the coming days with Remembrance Sunday and the Armistice Two Minute Silent on Tuesday and I’m sure both occasions will once again be well attended.
These events allow us to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict. and I would urge everyone to either come along.
As the granddaughter of a Muslim Soldier who fought in the world wars, I believe it is vitally important to never forget the service and sacrifice of those who gave up their today for our tomorrow.
Remembrance Day is also a time for quiet reflection on the costs of war. It’s a chance to consider our own role in building peaceful relationships, which is something I’ve spoken about locally, as we promote the message that there is no room for hate in Peterborough.
So, if you’re in the city on Sunday, please come along to the Remembrance Sunday service which takes place at the War Memorial in Bridge Street starting at 10.45am. This event has been organised by the council, in conjunction with the Peterborough Branch of the Royal British Legion and will be followed by a service in the Cathedral.
The Armistice two-minute silence service starts at 10.45am on Tuesday, also at the War Memorial.
If you can’t make it along, you can watch the Remembrance Sunday wreath laying on a large screen in Cathedral Square. The wreath laying service and Armistice Two Minute Silence will also be streamed on the council's YouTube channel.
Regular readers will be aware that local government in our region is going to be completely transformed over the next three years.
As part of Whitehall’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation, we are actively working with council leaders from across Cambridgeshire to develop the proposals.
Last week at Joint Scrutiny meeting, members unanimously agreed that options A (North and South) and D (Greater Peterborough) are the preferred plans for further consideration. These options will now be discussed by Full Council on 12 November, and then by Cabinet on 18 November.
All seven councils in Cambridgeshire will submit their preferred option on November 28 and ultimately the government will decide which one to take forward. We will keep you updated on progress.
Finally, I am absolutely delighted that a new store giving away used school uniforms for free is coming back to Peterborough permanently.
This means hundreds of parents and students will be able to take away shirts, blouses, blazers, trousers and more, free of charge.
Whether you want to swap, donate or take uniform, this community-led initiative is here to help and we hope it can support families across Peterborough for years to come.