PM urged to create annual memorial to victims of virus

DOCTORS, TEACHERS and nurses are calling on Boris Johnson to formally recognise an annual “Covid Memorial Day” paying tribute to the efforts of frontline workers during the pandemic.

They are among those backing 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.

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”.

Schools, workplaces and public venues would hold a silence at noon every year, while wreaths would be laid at a new coronavirus memorial monument on Whitehall under the plans.

More than 50 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.

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: “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.”

MPs paused proceedings in the House of Commons to observe the minute’s silence yesterday, with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle telling the chamber: “Every single one of us has been affected.

“It is right that we pause now, together with the whole country, to remember those who have died and those who are bereaved.

“Can I say that those colleagues who work with us who have also died, who were serving this House, our thoughts and prayers will always be with them and they will not be forgotten.” Sir Lindsay said he hoped the “green shoots” were emerging, adding: “Hopefully we’ll have a world that comes back to all of us, none more so than the role that members have played in this House and the way that we’ve worked together .”

Sir Lindsay added “we will be doing something” to remember those who worked in Parliament who have died.