TATTON MP Esther McVey is supporting calls for a National Day of Reflection to remember those who have died from coronavirus.

End of life charity Marie Curie wants a day for the UK to come together and remember all those who died during lockdown.

The suggested date would be March 23, a year on from when Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the nationwide lockdown.

Ms McVey is supporting the charity, and is one of a group of cross-party MPs, along with more than 10,000 people, who want action.

Almost 42,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the UK since March, and there have been almost 430,000 cases across the country.

Ms McVey said: “Tens of thousands of people have died, and in many cases their friends and families did not get to say goodbye, not able to hold their hand or attend a funeral to mourn as they would in time before the virus took hold.

“Many were forced to grieve alone, could not get the support that they needed or be hugged by a loved one.

“I fully support having a day of remembrance for us all to pause and think about those who have lost loved ones and those affected by this terrible virus.”

According to Marie Curie since the UK went into lockdown more than 1.4 million have experienced a close bereavement.

Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed said: “The support we’ve had so far shows that we cannot simply stand by and not recognise the huge effect the coronavirus and lockdown restrictions have had on people who have been bereaved.

“In six months’ time the nation needs to take a moment to come together, to remember, to grieve and to celebrate the lives of everyone who has died in this time.

“As the nation faces the potential of further lockdown measures we mustn’t forget the thousands of people who have, and continue to be, bereaved in very difficult circumstances, be that from coronavirus or other causes.”

To support the call visit mariecurie.org.uk/nationalday