This is when silences will be observed today - in honour of lives lost to coronavirus

The UK is holding two minute's silence on Tuesday (Getty Images)The UK is holding two minute's silence on Tuesday (Getty Images)
The UK is holding two minute's silence on Tuesday (Getty Images)

A minute’s silence is to be held in the UK today a year on from the country first entering lockdown.

The one year landmark comes as the country continues to live under a third lockdown period.

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The Prime Minister offered his “sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones” and praised the “great spirit” displayed ahead of the nation pausing in remembrance on Tuesday.

Monuments across England are also set to be illuminated yellow, and churches and cathedrals will toll bells, light thousands of candles and offer prayers in memory of those who lost their lives.

What time is the minute’s silence? 

Marie Curie has asked the public to observe a minute's silence at 12pm.

This will be followed by a tolling of bells across the country.

A second minute’s silence is to be held at 8pm.

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How to attend the Marie Curie event

The end of life care charity is hosting a live online event where attendees are encouraged to attend and observe those who lost their lives to Covid-19.

Guests will share their thoughts, words and songs at the event, with best-selling writer Sir Michael Morpurgo and stand-up poet Kate Fox among those contributing.

Attendees will then observe the minute’s silence together.

The online ceremony gets underway at 11.35pm.

You can register for the event here.

What time is the beacon of remembrance?

At 8pm Marie Curie is encouraging the country to hold a second minute's silence and “come together to light up the night”.

The charity is encouraging people to stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch, or a phone - to remember those who have passed away while showing support for those going through bereavement.

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Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.

Share what you do on social media using #DayOfReflection.

What has Boris Johnson said? 

Boris Johnson struck an upbeat note saying coronavirus restrictions are being eased “once and for all” as the UK marks the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

The Prime Minister offered his “sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones” and praised the “great spirit” displayed ahead of the nation pausing in remembrance on Tuesday.

Ahead of today’s minute’s silence Mr Johnson praised those who developed and rolled out vaccines, parents who homeschooled their children and the public who endured social distancing.

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“It’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all,” he said in a statement.

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