Two SNP parliamentarians call for national day of mourning for victims of coronavirus

Two SNP parliamentarians have called for a new national day of mourning to remember all those who have lost their lives because of coronavirus.
Alex Neil MSP and Neil Gray MP, who represent Airdrie and Shotts at Holyrood and Westminster, suggested it would be a fitting tribute to set aside a day every year, starting later this year, to remember those who have died from the virus.

The inspiration for the event came from a local minister, the Reverend Robbie Hamilton of New Wellwynd Parish Church in Airdrie, who has a moment of reflection every Sunday to honour COVID-19 victims.
Alex Neil said: “Neil and I will be writing to both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask them to back this proposal and to encourage everyone to get behind it.
“With government backing, both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster along with the Welsh Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly could pass the necessary legislation to earmark a particular day every year as COVID-19 Memorial Day.
“I am sure that this proposal would also receive the support of all churches and faiths. The virus has been indiscriminate, affecting every community in the land.
“We should come together as a united community to remember all the victims who are no longer with us.”
Neil Gray added: “The number of people who sadly have lost their lives to this virus is huge. I feel it is only right and proper that they are remembered.
“A national day of mourning is a fitting way to make sure they are not forgotten and it lets us support the families who suffered and are still suffering from this devastating pandemic.
“Alex and I simply want people to know they are not alone, that they and the loved ones they have lost are in our thoughts.”