The response to the Coronavirus epidemic is showing the best of communities across the north east of England.

As I learnt whilst International Development Secretary and leading the UK response to Ebola with Sierra Leone, countries turn the tables on a virus like COVID-19 when there is a national effort and everyone is pulling in the same direction. That means government, communities and everyone, all rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.

The Mail is doing its bit by getting important information out to the public.

People rightly expect business to be a force for good and despite the unprecedented economic challenges they face, day after day we’ve seen companies setting out what they can do to help Britain.

This includes supporting employees, vulnerable customers and communities more broadly.

It’s why I launched the C19 Business Pledge with Newcastle-based entrepreneur David Harrison, to spread the best ideas and to help more companies do good. We’ve had a massive response from businesses all over Britain, including Newcastle University, Ward Hadaway LLP, Tarmac, Co-operative Group and many others, which has been inspiring. If you want to see what good looks like and all the great work businesses are already doing to help, then take a look at our website, www.c19businesspledge.org.

As well as rightly applauding the incredible response of our NHS, teachers and volunteers, let’s also give a cheer to the best of Northumberland working in our businesses too.

Yours,

Rt Hon Justine Greening MP