One of our ambitions as independents is to alter our political culture. We want to leave behind the bullying, intimidation and tribalism.

Social care from cradle to grave is a huge concern for us all.

Culture is a reflection of values.

All of our lives are enriched by our culture, from blockbuster films, best-selling video games, independent music, and internationally-renowned museums and art collections, to theatre, opera, ballet, literary festivals and performance poetry.

As the Independent Group, we are determined to try to forge a different style of doing politics.

The nature of most Covid-19 deaths, in hospital or a care home away from family and friends, has made it worse for the people they leave behind. In the absence of the traditional rites and rituals of funeral and mourning - the opportunity to just share a hug - the process of bereavement has been made even harder to bear.

It looks like caring for the most vulnerable in our society could be yet another casualty of Brexit, with over-stretched and potentially unsafe care services and a reduction in female employment another unforeseen consequence.

In the Independent Group, we have the seeds of a new political movement that can reinvent our broken politics and provide a home to people who are politically homeless.

When the physical threat of coronavirus subsides, as it surely will, we must address the impact to our mental health.