The weekly event, where people come together to clap for the NHS and other frontline workers for their efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, is set to end this Thursday. Tara Pilkington brings you the latest.
Annemarie Plas, the Dutch national who lives in South London and is the organiser behind the weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ event, has said that this Thursday’s show of support should be the last.
This is what you need to know:
- Commenting on the success of the weekly event, said that she was “overwhelmed” by the support for the movement, but said it was better to stop when it was at its peak.
- She said: “I think it’s good to have the last of the series next Thursday (May 28), because to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak. “Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.
- She added: “I think the narrative is starting to change and I don’t want the clap to be negative,”
The weekly event has started to divide opinion between those who are empowered by the gesture, however, others have commented saying that it’s patronising without any real-world improvements for NHS staff conditions, from access to PPE to improving wages.
Ms Plas said in a final comment: “A clap is something normal people can do, showing our appreciation.
“But the power is not with us. We can give them respect but we are not signing the cheque – that falls on another desk.”
