This week, the UK has gone into lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Those of us who can are staying at home and adapting to a new way of life, where we work from home, have hobbies at home and socialise only through video calls.

It is an uncomfortable transition, but it is absolutely worth doing to slow the spread of coronavirus, preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed and saving thousands of lives.

Local businesses can apply for a business support grant via the Council's website if they meet the Government's qualifying criteria.

The Government has announced a range of grant funding for certain businesses affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Bedford Borough Council has set up an online form, enabling local businesses to apply for this money.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has delivered a crucial message via a new video in which he urges everyone to follow the official advice and guidance and to help themselves and others to stay safe.

In the video Mayor Dave stresses that it's important that we fight coronavirus by following the Government's advice to stay at home, to stay safe.

Protect our NHS and Social Care staff and back the self employed Now..

Since the end of December 2019 we have seen the Coronavirus spread from the far east to Europe and the US with devastating speed. World news and social media has tracked the virus, country by country as this disease defies borders, barriers and lock-downs and leaves families bereaved and in fear. This virus, for which we have no immediate solution barring isolation and medical care has brought large sections of the world to a standstill within the short space of 10-12 weeks. For the most part, nations have correctly turned to their scientists, researchers and clinicians to not only expedite a vaccine but to model effective responses to protect the lives of their citizens from what is a now the greatest health challenge we have faced for a century.

Coronavirus demonstrates how valuable our public service broadcasters are

Responding to the news that the BBC News is to suspend its plans to cut 450 jobs, Liberal Democrat DCMS spokesperson Daisy Cooper said:

"It is in times like this that our public service broadcasters demonstrate most clearly just how valuable they are. The BBC is right to ensure it remains properly staffed.

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Welcome to the Weekly Whip. Your one-stop shop for Lib Dem Parliamentary updates, covering the week that was and the week to come.

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Weekly Whip w/c 23rd March

In the last week ahead of Recess; Westminster Hall debates were suspended, and select committees will now continue over video conferencing. Given the ongoing pandemic, we went early to Recess on Wednesday.

The Sports Development Team at Bedford Borough Council have launched a range of live online fitness classes to keep residents moving and promote wellbeing whilst at home.

Coaches who have for many years delivered sessions throughout the Borough will be offering daily gentle exercise classes at 9.35am with Jane and Marion, and Mindful Yoga sessions with Rachaell Monton.

Ed Davey challenges government to roll out support package for self-employed

Today Ed Davey, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, challenged the Chancellor to "move as fast as possible" to roll out a financial support package for the five million self-employed people in the UK.

In an Urgent Question in the House of Commons, Ed Davey highlighted that the self-employed, who are excluded from current financial support for businesses and employees, are under "real stress" and are "literally running out of money" as a result of the coronavirus crisis.