They discussed in detail the range of options for recognition and marking this period of our history that may be considered and eventually recommended to the Prime Minister. The Commission also looked in detail at the public consultation that will be launched shortly. Further details will follow.
The Commission continues to engage with stakeholders including bereaved families groups and has started hosting stakeholder meetings across the UK. The Commission has noted that a key theme emerging from these meetings at this early stage is that people want future generations to learn about what people went through during the pandemic whether through the education system or museums. Another key theme is that people want to be able to visit memorials that are accessible and local to them to remember those who sadly died during the pandemic.
The Commission is keen for organisations and members of the public to complete the local Covid Commemoration survey as this will play an important part in informing the Commission of existing initiatives across the UK.
The Commission will meet again in November.