National salute to NHS staff as thousands take to balconies to express thanks
National salute to NHS staff as thousands take to balconies to express thanks
The royal family and the Prime Minister joined people all over the UK who flocked to their balconies and windows to applaud the NHS staff battling the coronavirus pandemic.
The national round of applause came after the unveiling of a ยฃ9 billion package of support which will see the Government give millions of self-employed people a grant worth up to ยฃ2,500 a month.
People took to their balconies and doorsteps to clap and cheer, while vehicles sounded their horns at 8pm on Thursday evening as a gesture of thanks to frontline healthcare heroes.
Boris Johnson was joined by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak outside 10 Downing Street as they took part in the national salute.
The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, was staged because โduring these unprecedented times they need to know we are gratefulโ, according to the organisers.
At the same time, landmarks including Belfast City Hall, the London Eye and Kingโs College were lit up as part of the #lightitblue salute.