Boris Johnson praises Britain’s ‘great spirit’ as country marks Covid anniversary

The British prime minister will observe a minute’s silence to mark the anniversary

Prime minister Boris Johnson has praised Britain’s ‘great spirit’ to mark the anniversary of the lockdown imposed by his government last year for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Johnson, who has been under heavy criticism for his handling of the pandemic, stated that the country is now on a cautious road to easing restrictions due to everyone’s efforts. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in over 4.3 million cases so far, including over 146,000 deaths, which is next only to the death tally of the US, Brazil and India.

The British prime minister, in a statement on Tuesday, said: “Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, one of the most difficult in our country’s history.”

He said that the past year had taken a huge toll on all and offered his condolences to those who lost their loved ones.

“We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year... it’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS (National Health Service) was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all,” Mr Johnson said.

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Last year, while announcing the lockdown for three weeks, the prime minister had said that if too many people became seriously unwell at a single time, the National Health Service (NHS) will be unable to handle it.

The UK started the Covid-19 vaccination process in December 2020, and about 28 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine.

On Tuesday, a minute’s silence will be observed at noon followed by a bell toll. The prime minister will observe the minute’s silence privately.

People are also being encouraged to stand at their doorsteps later at 8 pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance". London’s skyline will also turn yellow with many landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium lighting up at nightfall.

Prince Charles, lending his support to the national day of reflection, said: "Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.”

"In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times," he said.

In February 2021, Mr Johnson unveiled a roadmap to ease the lockdown in England, starting with the reopening of schools two weeks ago. The prime minister had earlier said that he was hopeful that the restrictions could be lifted by 21 June if conditions were met.

But not everyone is impressed with the prime minister’s plans. Alastair Campbell, a writer and a mental health campaigner, tweeted: “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - year to the day that [Boris Johnson] told us not to visit mothers on Mother’s Day, two days after telling us he intended to visit his mother on Mother’s Day.”

Additional reporting by agencies