It seems there is no escaping the tough realities of modern life in Britain right now. The nation has had its resolve tested repeatedly in recent months – from the terrorist atrocities in Westminster, Manchester, London Bridge and Finsbury Park to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in Kensington.

As the country comes to terms with these devastating events, on behalf of local government, I would like to express my condolences to everyone affected. Time will heal, but our nation will not forget those affected by these tragedies.

The awful terror attacks have shocked and saddened us all. I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the emergency services and to the work of councils in supporting their local communities through these events – work which I know has continued long after the police cordons were taken down.