Political Leaders Support National Day of Reflection

Political leaders are supporting the National Day of Reflection on Wednesday (23 March 2022), which marks the second anniversary of the UK's first lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, Opposition Leader Keir Starmer, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and Professor Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales as well as other party leaders have pledged their support for the second National Day of Reflection.

The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022 is a day to connect and support the people who have been bereaved during the last two years - and to reflect on and remember the lives of those who have died. Spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, over 350 organisations are behind the day. Prominent buildings and landmarks will also be lit up across the UK. Last year the first National Day of Reflection saw widespread support and connected the nation in grief in the first event of its kind.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

Those lost to Covid will never be out of our hearts and minds, and today we reflect as a nation.

The toll this pandemic has taken across the globe is immeasurable. The National Day of Reflection is a chance to come together, mourn, and offer our collective support and sympathies to all those grieving.

It's also a chance to thank everyone who cared for us throughout. I saw first-hand the heroic efforts of NHS staff and I pay tribute to them, the grief counsellors, charity workers, and friends and families, as we pause to remember those we have lost.

The Prime Minister will be marking the Day of Reflection privately.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:

None of us will ever forget the experience of Covid - or the amazing work of the NHS and other key workers - which is why the Speaker's Chaplain will include a mention of the National Day of Reflection in prayers before the Chamber sits on 23 March.

We are also hoping to hold a memorial service to remember parliamentary colleagues we have lost, including to Covid, in recent times.

Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer, said:

The National Day of Reflection is a moment to remember all those lost to covid, and to mark their lives. Behind every death are bereaved families and friends. My thoughts today are also with them.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we must not forget the long tail of grief it leaves, and the profound impact it has had on us all. For so many, life is now permanent altered, and we won't forget it.

Today I also thank the charities, community organisations, faith groups and volunteers who supported those going through illness, loss and grief. Their experiences will also never leave them. Their spirit and generosity are exemplary examples of British values.

Keir Starmer will be marking the minute's silence privately.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, said:

My condolences go to everyone who has lost a loved one as we mark two immensely difficult years since the first national lockdown.

Every single person across the country has felt the impact of the COVID-19 virus; as a society collectively we grieve for everything we have lost to it. Even now, as we can be grateful for the far greater normality we are able to return to, it is vital we pause to recognise and process that grief.

The National Day of Reflection provides an important opportunity for us all to come together, to support one another and remember those we have lost.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said,

We have all lived our lives in the shadow of the pandemic. It has touched our lives and so many have made big sacrifices. Many have lost family members, loved ones or friends. That is why this moment of reflection is so important to so many people right across Wales.

Minister for Health for Northern Ireland Robin Swann MLA said:

The Annual Day of Reflection provides us with an important opportunity to pause and remember the lives of all those who sadly died in the past two years. We also acknowledge the pain and grief of bereaved families. Experiencing loss during the pandemic will have meant that many people missed out on those important grieving rituals, so as more aspects of normal life start to resume, it's vital that we remember and support all those in our communities who will be dealing with the trauma of loss.

I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our health and social care workforce. In spite of many challenges, their dedication to patients and service users has been unwavering.

Marie Curie's Chief Executive, Matthew Reed, said:

The last two years have reminded us of how much harder grief is when you are isolated from those you care about and those who support you. And while life may be beginning to return to normal for some of us there are many living with the deep trauma of losing a loved one.

Grief doesn't have a lifespan, nor does it discriminate. As a society, we need to find better ways of dealing with grief. We hope that having a special day will bring comfort to millions of us who feel the pain of grief, regardless of time or circumstance.

The National Day of Reflection last year showed that a national day was very much needed and profoundly resonated with people up and down the UK. It is time to come together again to reflect on the lives of the people we've lost and support those who are grieving.

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection