'Never forget that there is hope'

Today, March 23rd, has been declared a National Day of Reflection, a moment for us to stop for a minute and reflect upon the lives lost and the millions bereaved by this dreadful Covid-19 disease.

Nearly 150,000 of our fellow citizens have lost their lives to this sickness, leaving families and loved ones.

While we have so many pressing questions that need answering about why this virus took so many lives in this country, the day of reflection is about remembering those lost.

The Marie Curie charity has organised this day of reflection.  They are asking that at noon today we observe a minute’s silence in honour of those lost.  

At 8pm, national landmarks will be lit up in yellow and we are invited to show solidarity by standing on our doorsteps or displaying yellow in the windows of homes and workplaces.

Our union will also be marking this day of national reflection.  I know that you will mark the midday silence in your own way, and that you will send your support to our members as they do so too in their workplaces.

Never forget that there is hope.  The vaccine programme offers a bridge to a safer future, and there will be better days ahead. 

Our solidarity, our support for one another, has got us through this past year.  Today, we stand together once again.

By Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary

You can find out more information on Marie Curie and the day of reflection here.