Matthew has warmly welcomed the decision by Barnet Registrars to extend their opening to 365 days a year. Families will be able to record births and deaths every day of the year which will eliminate the current delays due to public holidays. This is particularly important for people of religious faiths which require burial as soon as possible after death.

Matthew said: “The extension of registrars’ services is something that I made an election priority in 2015 and 2017. After repeated representations to the Government and Barnet Council, I am proud that Barnet is leading the way in this matter.

"The extension to the local service will allow people, particularly my Jewish and Muslim constituents, to register deaths and bury their loved ones without having to wait and I hope this will be helpful at what is a very distressing time.”