Doctors, teachers and nurses today urged Boris Johnson to formally recognise an annual ‘Covid Memorial Day’ and erect a monument on Whitehall.
More than 50 MPs and peers along with the health unions, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing are backing the calls.
There is also a cross-party campaign for a minute’s silence every year on March 23 to remember the lives lost on the anniversary of the first UK-wide lockdown.
Schools, workplaces and public venues would hold a silence at noon every year so that people can pay tribute to the efforts of frontline workers during the pandemic.
Wreaths would also be laid under the plans at a new coronavirus memorial monument on Whitehall in London, which is also where The Cenotaph is located.
Wreaths would be laid at a new coronavirus memorial monument on Whitehall under the plans
In a letter to the Prime Minister, MPs said the nation ‘must remember the lives lost and lives changed with dignity, and commemorate the efforts of our frontline and key workers with pride’.
MPs and peers, including Tory MP Dr Dan Poulter, signed the letter organised by Layla Moran, the MP who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus.
Prince Charles marks national day of remembrance on Covid lockdown anniversary
The Prince of Wales has lent his support to the day of national reflection being held on the anniversary of the first UK lockdown.
Prince Charles has recorded a message to support the day of national reflection today
The nation will pause today in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis in the past year, organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
In a recorded message, Charles, who is a patron of the charity, said: ‘We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
‘Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
‘In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.’
Ms Moran said: ‘A Covid Memorial Day will bring communities across the UK together to mourn the lives lost and lives changed by this pandemic and ensure they are never forgotten.
‘This is also a chance to show our recognition and gratitude to the heroes on the frontline who have kept our NHS, schools and other vital services running.
‘We owe it to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to remember them with dignity, learn the lessons of this crisis and ensure the country is better prepared when the next pandemic strikes.’
Separately the Royal College of Nursing, the Local Government Association and the NASUWT teacher’s trade union backed the initiative.
British Medical Association council chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: ‘For many of us working in the NHS, there has been nothing in living memory that has had such a profound and devastating impact on our nation and health service as the coronavirus pandemic – a pandemic that will undoubtedly shape our future for years to come.
‘The Covid Memorial Day should serve as an important reminder for the many who sadly lost their lives throughout this pandemic and for their loved ones who bear this loss. ‘It is also a day to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of all the health and care staff, key workers and those who have and continue to work tirelessly, often putting their own health at risk to come to the aid of others and save lives.
‘Crucially, this day should be marked in history to ensure that we never take for granted our health service and are constantly progressing and learning lessons that will serve us well in the future.’
Today, Mr Johnson offered his condolences to those bereaved during the pandemic and praised the ‘great spirit’ shown during the past year on the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
The nation will pause in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis as part of a national day of reflection, organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
A minute’s silence will be held at 12pm followed by a bell toll, and people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a ‘beacon of remembrance’.
Dean of Blackburn, the Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones, is pictured today during the National Day of Reflection at Blackburn Cathedral, on the anniversary of the first lockdown
More than 250 organisations are supporting the day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians, care organisations, charities, businesses, emergency services, public sector bodies and community groups.
Mr Johnson, who will observe the minute’s silence privately, said: ‘The last 12 months has taken a huge toll on us all, and I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
‘Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history.
‘We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. We have all played our part, whether it’s working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
A healthcare worker during the National Day of Reflection at Blackburn Cathedral this morning
‘It’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.’
According to the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics, there have been 618,676 deaths from all causes registered in England and Wales between March 21, 2020 and the week ending March 5, 2021.
The figures also show that, across the UK, 147,681 deaths have now occurred where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The Health Foundation calculates that those who died with Covid-19 have lost up to 10 years of life on average, with a total of up to 1.5 million potential years of life lost.
To mark the anniversary, London’s skyline will turn yellow with landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium lighting up at nightfall.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits BAE Systems at Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire yesterday
Other notable buildings that will be illuminated include Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall, while churches and cathedrals will toll bells, light thousands of candles and offer prayers.
In Portsmouth, churches will deliver more than 50 boxes of chocolates and cards to local GP surgeries, care homes and schools to thank key workers for their pandemic efforts.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: ‘This day of reflection is an opportunity to pause and remember all that’s happened over the past year, to mourn those who have died but also to give thanks for those who have looked after us and our communities.
‘It is a moment to pray together to our Father in Heaven to comfort us in our grief and to lead us into the hope of the risen Christ and the eternal life he promises.
‘As we reflect on the pandemic, may He strengthen our resolve to rebuild a kinder, fairer and more compassionate society, may He be with those who are struggling and may He guide us in honouring those we have lost over the past year.’
Layla Moran, the MP who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus, organised the letter. She is pictured last July while hosting the inaugural meeting of the group
Lending his support to the national day of reflection, the Prince of Wales, who is a patron of Marie Curie, said: ‘Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.
‘In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.’
Nursing staff will also pause to say thank you to members of the public for their year of sacrifice, and remember the loss of friends, colleagues and patients.
Nursing leader Dame Donna Kinnair said: ‘After a year of sacrifices and gestures, great and small, we are taking our turn to thank the public. In a time of loss and fear, they helped us to keep digging deeper.
‘We will take a day to remember and reflect – as much about the future we want as the year we’ve had.’
