MP Suzanne Webb backs plan to honour key workers

Plans to honour key workers for their efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic have been backed by a Black Country MP.

Suzanne Webb has given her full support to Dudley Council's plans to consider key workers for the prestigious Freedom of the Borough honour, which has previously been granted to notable local figures such as Lenny Henry and military units including RAF Cosford.

The move was spearheaded by Councillor Keiran Casey and members of authority's Labour group. It is set to be signed off at a meeting next month along with plans for a monument in the borough.

The Conservative MP for Stourbridge is also keen to see recognition at a national level, and is lobbying the Cabinet Office to introduce Government recognition for the actions taken by key workers during the coronavirus crisis.

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She said: "I am delighted that Dudley Council has put forward its own proposals to recognise the contributions that our NHS, care staff and key workers during the last few months.

"Every single one of them truly are heroes for their efforts."

"It is encouraging to see that the Government are also considering what can be done to honour those people who have put others’ lives ahead of their own during this crisis.

"I hope that the recognition of these heroes will be paired with a national celebration of the achievements of those key workers, alongside remembrance for those who have sadly passed away with the virus."

The MP has run her own online campaign to recognise unsung heroes during the coronavirus outbreak. She says she was inundated with nominations for people across the constituency who have gone "above and beyond" to help others during the crisis.

Ms Webb said: "I am honoured that such an inspirational group of individuals live in Stourbridge. During the pandemic we have heard some heart-breaking stories, but this campaign was about celebrating life and the contributions made to help others."

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has said the Government "will ensure recognition is both timely and appropriate and is reflective of the profound gratitude the nation feels towards everyone on the frontline".