Bereaved families 'disappointed' by Prime Minister's private visit to Covid Memorial Wall
PM went to the mural on his own
Families who've lost loved ones to coronavirus tell us they're hurt and confused the Prime Minister visited the memorial wall without them.
Boris Johnson went to the mural on the South Bank 'privately' last night (Tues). It features 150-thousand red hearts for each person who's died in the pandemic.
Lobby Akinnola from Watford lost his dad to coronavirus in April last year. He's part of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, who have invited the PM to meet them at the wall on numerous occasions.
"The fact that he chose to go at night, the fact that he chose not to let anyone know is just confusing. I don't understand what message that is trying to send."
"I think that had the Prime Minister elected to meet us at the wall and share that moment with us where he took in the scale, it would have provided us with some closure."
"During this pandemic there has been so much pain and so much loss and being able to share that moment with the Prime Minister and understand and see that he understands what we've been going through and that he's compassionate, that he cares, that he supports us, that would have done so much to offer closure."
"The only reason I can really think of is that he wanted to avoid meeting the families of the bereaved. I think it's been suggested that it was to pay respects and a sign of sincerity, but I don't really see how it's disrespectful to meet the families of those who have died."
But No 10 defended Mr Johnson's private'' visit to the site opposite the Houses of Parliament as being forquiet reflection'', and said he offers his deepest condolences'' to those who have lost a loved one.
His official spokesman told reporters the Prime Minister, before this week's memorial visit, had met with a number'' of families mourning loved ones who had died after contracting the virus.
The Covid campaign group is considering legal action against the Government as it demands ministers set a date for an independent, judge-led inquiry into the crisis.
Co-founder Matt Fowler said:
"For weeks we've asked him to come to the wall and meet bereaved families. He's refused to even acknowledge our request.
"Then, the day after it's revealed he said he'd let 'bodies pile high', he makes a late evening visit under cover of darkness, just so that he can dodge meeting bereaved families.
"This is a cynical and insincere move that is deeply hurtful. Our invitation for him to walk the wall with families who've lost loved ones is still open, and we await a response.''
Mr Johnson has denied saying he would rather let bodies pile high'' than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman denied that Mr Johnson chose the late hour of his visit to avoid having to meet members of the virus bereavement group.
The Downing Street spokesman said:
"No, he went on Tuesday evening for a private visit.
"As many others have done, he visited the memorial wall in private for quiet reflection.
"The Prime Minister has spoken to a number of families bereaved by Covid, both in person and virtually.
"With regard to the Bereaved Families for Justice group, the Prime Minister has said he is happy to meet them at an appropriate time to do so and once the legal proceedings have concluded.''
Separately, a No 10 spokeswoman said:
"The Prime Minister offers his deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during this very difficult pandemic.''