Britain could go silent to honour fallen NHS workers in fight against coronavirus

There have been 49 verified fatalities among NHS staff on the frontline, though the true figure is thought to be much higher

Britain could hold a minute’s silence next week in honour of those NHS workers who have lost their lives fighting coronavirus.

The symbolic gesture was originally floated by health unions Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives.

Now Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden admits it could take place after labelling it “a very good idea”.

The minute’s silence would occur in addition to the weekly Clap for Our Carers, which has been running each Thursday since 26 March.

And the public could pay their respect at 11am on 28 April, International Workers’ Memorial Day.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis insists it would be “the ultimate tribute” for those who have selflessly joined the fight against Covid-19.

There have been 49 verified fatalities among NHS staff on the frontline, though the true total is thought to be considerably higher, with 16,509 deaths in the UK overall as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.

“We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe,” said Donna Kinnair, general secretary at the Royal College of Nursing.

“I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.”

The public could go silent to honour fallen NHS workers next week (Getty)

While Mr Prentis added: “This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running.

“Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.

“Thousands of key staff are on the frontline while the rest of us are in lockdown. That’s why we’ve issued this call for the whole country to take part and remember the sacrifices they’ve made. The best tribute we can all pay them is to stay inside to protect the NHS.

“The minute’s silence is a thank you to all the workers including nurses, midwives, cleaners and care staff who’ve died from this devastating virus.”

Mr Dowden said on Monday: “As Culture Secretary, I have responsibility for ceremonials and things like minute-silences, and we are actively looking into that and think it is a good idea.”