Silent 'doctors not martyrs' protest held outside No10 during Clap for Carers

A group of doctors in surgical scrubs and masks silently knelt outside a gated-off Downing Street while displaying a banner which said: "Doctors not martyrs."

As Britain loudly applauded frontline health workers in the tenth 8pm Clap for Carers yesterday, the doctors showed their own support for the over 200 NHS staff who have died from coronavirus so far.

Journalist Ben Smoke posted images of the silent demonstration on his Twitter page, including one "striking moment" as the doctors stared down the armed police on the other side of the gate.

"They laid a wreath and then left," the HUCK magazine contributing editor said.

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"In a week where the discourse has been focused on the stupidity and arrogance of one man, it’s a powerful reminder of the very real cost many are paying," he added - likely referring to Dominic Cummings.

The founder of the Clap for Carers weekly applause, Annemarie Plas, has said yesterday's clap should be the last.

For 10 weeks running people across the UK have lined their thresholds, gathered - while socially distancing - on pavements, and stood in their gardens to demonstrate their support.

Some have banged pans, others blown whistles to make as much noise as possible.

In recent weeks, the ritual has been criticised by some for becoming 'politicised', while others, including NHS staff, have pointed out the hypocrisy at play.

Some people who take part in the clap then wilfully ignore the plea to stay at home and avoid gatherings in an effort to ease the strain on the healthcare system.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick was filmed leading dozens of officers in the weekly applause for key workers on a crowded Westminster Bridge.

Ms Plas, 36, last week said she has no problem with people continuing to gather at 8pm each week to clap, but said she will not be among those taking part in future.

"To have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak," she said.

"Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.

"I think the narrative is starting to change and I don't want the clap to be negative."

It comes as Boris Johnson's chief aide Mr Cummings is accused of breaking lockdown rules by travelling from London to County Durham, including taking his wife and four-year-son to Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, despite claiming to be displaying Covid-19 symptoms.

He has denied any wrongdoing and has received the full backing of the Prime Minister.

But having received calls from across the political spectrum to stand down, it has been reported Mr Cummings is weighing up quitting later this year.