Today marks the poignant first anniversary since the first lockdown started, and will be a Day of National Reflection.
As we know, tragically, too many people have lost their lives to Covid. My sincere thoughts and deep condolences are with those who have lost family and friends.
We’ve all been through a lot in this last year. We’ve stayed home but we’ve come together. We’ve cried, we’ve clapped for our carers, we’ve mourned, we’ve celebrated the vaccine, we’ve lost, and we’ve loved. I’m so proud at the way our community and country has responded and come together.
To commemorate the day, buildings across Leeds will be lit up in yellow, with the flags at half-mast to remember those so tragically lost over the last year and think of those grieving.
We’ve got through a lot collectively in the last year. I hope you can join me, the Leeds North West and wider UK community in coming together on our doorsteps this evening at 8pm for a doorstep vigil to mark this emotional day.
Looking forward to the future, there are positive signs on the horizon. Covid cases continue to decrease in Leeds North West and elsewhere, the vaccination rollout is proving effective, and we are all pulling together to ensure a safe and efficient roadmap to ending lockdown restrictions remains in sight.