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Nobody could fail to be moved at the way our country came together again tonight to clap our health and social care workers.

It was a wave of positive energy and emotion, showing the huge support for those fighting on the frontline against coronavirus.

When we get through this – and we will get through this – it will be because of our NHS staff, our care workers, our ambulance drivers, our emergency services, our cleaners, our porters.

They are the best of us. They are the heroes of our generation. That’s why I stand firmly behind the Mirror’s campaign for a medal for all those working and volunteering on the coronavirus frontline.

Along with so many others, I have read the stories of those taking on this virus.

They come from all walks of life, from across our communities and across the world.

What unites them is a willingness to walk towards this great danger to save the lives of others.

(Image: Cambridge News)

In the short-term, the best way we can show our support to our carers is by staying at home this Easter weekend.

It will be hard, but it is by far the best way to help our NHS.

And after this crisis is over, we cannot go back to business as usual.

We have seen who the key workers really are.

For too long, our health and care workers have been taken for granted and poorly paid.

We have heard too many stories of workers sent to the frontline without the right protective equipment.

Yet they continue to give everything to keep our loved ones safe.

They were last and now they should be first.

We must repay that debt, with a new settlement for our health and care heroes.

In their courage and their sacrifice and their bravery, we can see a better future.

Until then, we simply say thank you.