My proposal is to ask the U.K. Government to support the award of a George Cross (GC) to the NHS, whose staff have been truly outstanding in leading the fight against Covid-19, demonstrating humility, strength, courage and absolute commitment to protect each and every one of us in our time of greatest need. 

The GC is the second highest award of the U.K. Honours system, awarded “For acts of the greatest heroism or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It is typically awarded to the military, but can be awarded to civilians including the emergency services.

During WWII, when awarding the GC to the island of Malta, King George VI said “To honour her brave people, I awarded the George Cross to the island fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history”.

Paraphrasing Tony Blair when awarding the GC to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, “This recognises the collective courage and dedication to the duty of all those who served and who have accepted the danger and stress this has brought to them and their families”.

It is now time to really recognise and get behind everyone who works for them, and consider the NHS for a George Cross!

Once this is over, the Gov’t should also as a priority review the pay, conditions and resources in the NHS and in other services too.

#SupporttheNHS