The London Assembly has voted unanimously for Caroline Pidgeon's motion, 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.
Two million emergency services and NHS workers are currently on the frontline helping the UK fight against 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's motion calls for the Chair of the 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.”
You can read more about the campaign here, and read about the Assembly's vote in the Enfield Independent.
The motion in full reads:
“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.”