The UK marks lockdown anniversary with minute's silence and doorstep vigil
A 'day of reflection' is taking place to mark a year since the UK's first national lockdown
Last updated 31st Mar 2021
A minute's silence and a national doorstep vigil is taking place to mark a year since we went into the first national lockdown. It's part of a National Day of Reflection day on March 23rd, which is exactly a year from when we were told we were going into lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19.
Magic will also be taking part in the minute's silence and will broadcast silence for a minute at midday to reflect on those who have lost their lives during the lockdown and support the millions of people who are bereaved.
The day is being led by end of life charity Marie Curie, but over 110 organisations are behind the day, including British Red Cross, Girlguiding, Jo Cox Foundation, Royal Voluntary Service, The Scouts and Together.
It is taking place to remember those who have died from any cause during the pandemic, and to show solidarity for millions who have been unable to grieve together, throughout the last year.
Political leaders back the National Day of Reflection
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will be marking the minute of silence privately at 12 noon on the 23rd March:
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and who have not been able to pay tribute to them in the way they would have wanted. As we continue to make progress against the virus, I want to thank people for the sacrifices they continue to make, and hope they can look forward to being reunited with loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased."
Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer, said:
"The National Day of Reflection is a moment to remember the 125,000 people lost to coronavirus over the last year. We must never forget what that number represents: mothers, fathers, grandparents and partners. Behind every death are bereaved families and friends, many of whom have been unable to grieve normally.
"Despite the terrible impact of this pandemic, the past year has also brought communities closer together. Moments like this can send a powerful message that, as a society, we are there for each other. We must ensure this spirit of national solidarity lives on, as a tribute to those we have lost."
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, said:
"None of us will ever forget this past year. The last 12 months have been unimaginably tough for everybody, and it is right we pause to remember those we have lost, and offer our continued thoughts, solidarity and support to the bereaved.
"As we remember, we can also reflect on how far we have come in a relatively short period of time, and begin to look toward the future. Because of our collective sacrifice, there are people alive now who would otherwise have lost their life to the virus; and we now have vaccines, offering us hope that we can soon get back to a more normal way of life.
"By supporting one another and sticking with restrictions a little longer, we will get out of this crisis and return to a world where we can properly see friends and loved ones again, travel freely, and work, socialise and go on holiday once more."
Professor Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, said:
"Over the last 12 months the pandemic has turned all our lives upside down. Too many families have lost loved ones and close friends and so many people haven't had a chance to say goodbye because of all the changes that coronavirus has meant to our lives.
"It's really important that we have the opportunity to come together to reflect on the last year. 23 March is an opportunity to unite and support each other during this tough time."
What is happening to mark the anniversary of the lockdown?
There will be a nationwide minute’s since at midday, to reflect on those who have died and support the millions of people who are bereaved.
Later in the evening, the nation will stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with candles, torches or using the light on a phone, to share a beacon of support in these incredibly tough times.
Prominent buildings and iconic landmarks will also light up across the UK to mark the anniversary.