Extraordinary times require extraordinary effort, generosity and sacrifice. I am extremely grateful for the herculean effort of many people; especially our professional services staff who are making the Department safe and operational. We are coming in to land, but with sound preparation the disruption will be hopefully tolerable. Everyone will be affected, but at the end of the day my overriding priority is your health and safety.
Behind the scenes the department is contributing to the national effort by providing key pieces of equipment for testing for COVID-19 and personnel. Our medically trained staff have also been re-deployed to our hospitals. I have been so impressed by the professionalism you have all shown. We are all in this together, and it is often a time of crisis that brings out the best in people. I have not been disappointed.
This Department is rated the best in the world by subject. We are now being called upon to help the people of the United Kingdom, which we must do.