National Day of Reflection

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about a national day of reflection for people who have sadly lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic. I sympathise deeply with the families and friends of those who have sadly died.

I support Marie Curie’s call for a day of reflection to be held across the UK on 23 March 2021, to mark the first anniversary of the lockdown. People have had to make difficult sacrifices to make lockdown work. These sacrifices have helped save lives and protect our country, and we must stay committed to that shared purpose.

I pay tribute to the extraordinary service and dedication of Marie Curie doctors, nurses, and hospice staff on the frontline during the pandemic. It has been heartbreaking to witness the toll this virus has taken on staff, and we must ensure that support is available for every staff member, to protect them and help them to continue their vital work.

It is now vital to prepare for a possible second wave this winter. We must use this summer wisely, focusing on driving down the rate of infection. I will continue to press for rapid improvements to the test-and-trace system, as this will be vital for ensuring a safe easing from lockdown, and for helping to avoid further widespread lockdowns. The Government must also make sure that the NHS and social care are ready for a potential increase in infections.

In honour of those who have died, and in honour of the care workers, NHS staff, and key workers who have kept our country going throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we must build a vision of a better society.

Thank you once again for contacting me. I hope the Government will support Marie Curie’s call for a national day of reflection to remember everyone who has sadly died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP