UK Parliament will fall silent to mark ‘National Day of Reflection’

A national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for people who are grieving, has gained support from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and the Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler.

On Tuesday 23 March - the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown - both the House of Commons and the House of Lords will observe a minute's silence at 12 noon as part of the National Day of Reflection  .

Spearheaded by the charity Marie Curie, over 200 organisations are behind the day, including BME Voices, Care for the Family, Card Factory, General Medical Council, Flying Flowers, Lions Club, Morrisons, National Garden Scheme, RHS, Stagecoach Group, Stonewall, Superdrug and Winston's Wish. The movement is made up of charities, businesses, membership organisations, emergency services, public sector bodies, community groups, individuals and many more1.

Prominent buildings and iconic landmarks across the UK, from the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, National Theatre and Wembley Stadium, to Blackpool Tower, Belfast City Hall, Caernarfon Castle, and the Kelpies will be lighting up yellow for the millions who are grieving and shining as a beacon of hope and support₂.

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

"None of us has escaped the ordeal of Covid-19 - from the shock of having our liberty taken away,to the heartbreak of losing someone we loved.

"So, a year on, it is right that we take a moment to reflect on what we as a nation have been through; that we pay tribute to the many lives lost and the families that mourn them and we say a big 'thank you' to our NHS staff who have worked so tirelessly on the frontline caring for people in need."

Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said:

"A year ago today we were asked to stay at home to combat the spread of Coronavirus. Since then, many thousands have been lost and the lives of those left behind have been changed forever. The public have made enormous sacrifices to protect the lives of others.

"It is right that we in the House of Lords pause now, together with the Commons and the whole country, and remember those who have died and those who are bereaved."

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

"We welcome the news that both the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker are supporting the National Day of Reflection and that both Houses will join the nation in a minute's silence at 12 noon on Tuesday March 23rd - the anniversary of the first UK lockdown. Bringing both Houses to a shared minute's silence, along with politicians from across all nations of the United Kingdom, will mark a powerful moment of collective support to the people who have been most affected by the events of this last year.

"The last year has been one of the most traumatic and uniting in modern history. With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt by this generation. Many of us have been unable to say a real goodbye or comfort our family, friends, and colleagues in their grief. We need to acknowledge that and recognise we are not alone.

"That's why on 23 March, it is important that we all come together to reflect on our collective loss, celebrate the lives of the special people no longer here, support those who've been bereaved and look towards a much brighter future."

Since the pandemic began, many have been unable to say goodbye or grieve properly. The day will allow people to remember those who have died, and bring people together to pause, reflect and support each other this month and in years to come as we look with hope to the future. The charity invites everyone to join together to hold a minute's silence at 12 noon and take a moment to reach out to someone they know is grieving.

Support for the day has come from across the political spectrum in all nations of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister has already offered his support for the day along with Opposition Leader Keir Starmer, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, Professor Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales and Arlene Foster, First Minister in of Northern Ireland.

The National Day of Reflection, which Marie Curie hopes will become an annual event, will see; a nationwide minute of silence at 12 noon, followed by bells tolling at 12:01.

Alongside this will be community-led initiatives such as virtual reflective assemblies, choirs, special services, candle and lantern lighting on doorsteps at 8pm, yellow ribbons wrapped around trees, and many other commemorative activities that will bring people together – in adherence with social distancing rules.

On the day, Marie Curie will be hosting a series of free online talks and conversations featuring expert panels, bereaved families and celebrities throughout the afternoon of 23 March, produced by the Good Grief Festival.2

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

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Notes to editor

For more information about the National Day of Reflection, please contact: Marie Curie Press office on 0845 073 8699 media@mariecurie.org.uk.

For information about political support and planned activities, please contact respective press offices.

About the National Day of Reflection - A day to reflect, grieve and remember – 23 March 2021
The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021 marks the first anniversary of the date that the first lockdown started. Over 6 million people have been bereaved since the first lockdown began. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for their loved ones. Many of those bereaved have not been able to hold loved one's hands as they were dying, properly say goodbye, comfort or even hug each other. They have been unable to mourn as they would in 'normal' times and will be more likely to struggle with the long-term effects of grief.
The National Day of Reflection will give the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving. The day is being led by Marie Curie and has been developed in partnership with other organisations who will get involved as part of a movement to support each other.
dayofreflection.org.uk
#DayOfReflection

About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. The charity provides frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Marie Curie is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end of life experience. The charity believes it is important to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement to improve experiences at end of life and to help reduce the lasting effects of grief. The National Day of Reflection provides an opportunity for the Nation to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died during these challenging times – from Covid and other causes.
Please note we are 'Marie Curie' (not 'Marie Curie Cancer Care').