Two million emergency services and NHS workers are currently on the frontline helping the UK fight against COVID-19.
A campaign has been launched calling for an Emergency Services Cenotaph in London to pay tribute to those who have worked and volunteered for the NHS and other emergency services across the UK.
In light of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to recognise the bravery of those who have risked their lives to protect others from the devasting impacts of the pandemic.
The London Assembly has today agreed for the Chair of the London Assembly and the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister in support of the Cenotaph and ask for the Government to provide financial support, alongside existing fundraising, to help ensure the Cenotaph can begin construction as soon as possible.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion said: “Although there are memorials for some emergency service workers around the UK there is not one place to honour all of them and their importance to our country.
“It is time this changed. An emergency services Cenotaph in central London would be a place to reflect, remember and honour the sacrifices made by so many during this last year, as well as honouring all who have served in the emergency services past, present and future.”
Dr Onkar Sahota AM, who seconded the motion said: “The efforts of our emergency services and NHS workers and volunteers during this pandemic have been nothing short of extraordinary.
“Whether it’s junior doctors stepping up to do shifts in intensive care wards or firefighters and police officers driving ambulances, frontline staff have gone above and beyond to protect Londoners and many have tragically lost their lives in the process.
“It’s a heroic level of dedication and bravery that we can often take for granted. An Emergency Services Cenotaph would be a permanent reminder of this and a place that the public can pay their respects and honour the history of our blue light services and NHS.
“On top of this, it is vital that we continue pressing the Government to give our police forces, fire brigades and NHS the level of investment they all desperately need, and their workforce fairer pay and better access to mental health services.”
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes the campaign for an Emergency Services Cenotaph in London to honour all who have served in the emergency services and National Health Service past, present and future. It will be the first combined memorial of its kind in the UK.
This Assembly further notes the two million people that currently work in our emergency services and National Health Service who show huge dedication and believe it is right that we recognise the vital role that they play and pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice many make in the line of duty.
This Assembly also believes that in light of the Covid-19 pandemic the need to honour the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of our emergency service and National Health Service workers and volunteers is more important than ever. An Emergency Services Cenotaph will also ensure there is a place for Londoners and those across the country to come and pay their respects to all of those who have served in our emergency services past and present and to honour those we have lost.
This Assembly fully supports the Emergency Services Cenotaph and calls on the Chair of the Assembly, with the Mayor, to write to the Prime Minister expressing this support and asking for Government to provide financial support, alongside the existing voluntary fundraising effort, to the campaign to help ensure such a Cenotaph can begin construction as soon as possible.”