Many local residents will be aware of the official opening today of NHS North West Nightingale, the new 750-bed space which has seen Manchester Central conference centre transformed, in an unparalleled mobilisation designed to free up capacity in our NHS in St Helens and across the region and to save lives during the current COVID-19 crisis.

I want to thank everyone involved for the unprecedented efforts so far, and send our very best wishes for the challenging time ahead.