Political leaders support Day of Reflection

Political leaders are supporting Marie Curie's fourth annual Day of Reflection this Sunday (3 March 2024), to remember the people who died during the pandemic.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer, Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, Michelle O'Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland, and Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, as well as other party leaders, have all pledged their support for the Day of Reflection.

The UK's leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, will lead the nations in the fourth annual Day of Reflection today, bringing people together to remember those who died during the pandemic, and to show support to everyone who was bereaved.

The charity is asking the public to observe a minute's silence at midday, and urges anyone who is struggling with their grief to call its support line on 0800 090 2309.

Marie Curie cares for people with any illness they are likely to die from. This includes dementia, motor neurone disease and advanced cancer, and its hospice and hospice care at home staff cared for people with Covid-19. During the first wave of the pandemic, the charity scaled up its bereavement support in response to the increased need it saw across the UK.

The anniversary of the first UK lockdown, March 23, marked the inaugural Day of Reflection in 2021. This year it moves to the new date of March 3, in line with the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration's recommendation.

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, says:

"Throughout the pandemic many people lost loved ones and they live on in all our memories.

"I commend Marie Curie's work to give grieving families up and down the country the opportunity to come together and remember them."

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, says:

"The coronavirus pandemic took an immeasurable toll on the United Kingdom. Every death left a family forever changed, so many unable to say their final goodbyes in person.

"Today, on Marie Curie's Day of Reflection, we remember those we lost during the pandemic. We pay tribute to the key workers who helped our country through those dark times. And we thank the charities, community organisations and volunteers who support families through that grief."

Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, says:

"It's important we come together, as a nation, to remember those who died during the coronavirus pandemic, and support those who were bereaved.

"Marie Curie's Day of Reflection and national minute of silence is an opportunity to honour those who were lost, taking time to reflect and acknowledge our shared grief."

Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, says:

"The pandemic had a huge impact on everyone in Wales and continues to have an impact on many people's lives.

"This fourth annual Covid Day of Reflection is a special day to remember all those who died during the pandemic and those who continue to feel the impact of Covid on their lives.

"It is an opportunity for us to come together - as friends or colleagues, as families, as a community and as a nation - to ensure they are never forgotten."

Michelle O'Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland, says:

"The annual Day of Reflection has become an important anniversary for many people. It is an opportunity to remember those who died during the pandemic, whether as a result of Covid 19 or some other cause, and to show support for all those who sadly lost loved ones.

"It gives us time to reflect on the impact it had on everyone and to show those grieving families that we are still thinking of them."

Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, says:

"The impact of the pandemic is still felt in our day to day lives and it remains a cause of significant hurt in many families and deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest challenges of our generation.

"We want to thank Marie Curie for organising this fitting tribute for all those who lost their lives during this time, not only as a result of Covid 19.

"Thank you to everyone for joining us if you can."

Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, says:

"Four years on from the start of the Covid pandemic, it is critical that we take a moment to reflect on all that we have been through as a nation.

"The pandemic affected every corner of our lives, and today, people around the country will be remembering their loved ones who were taken too soon by this terrible disease.

"We must also remember the enormous sacrifice made by NHS staff and other key workers, as well as community groups and charities who worked so hard to save lives and keep us safe."

Ceremonials Minister Stuart Andrew said:

"Marie Curie's Day of Reflection is a moment for us to remember the impact that Covid-19 had on our lives and pay tribute to loved ones lost during the pandemic."