Coronavirus: 50 cross-party MPs demand compensation for families of frontline staff who die battling virus
Boris Johnson has been urged to create a new compensation scheme for the families of frontline workers who die whilst battling coronavirus.
After the deaths of three doctors in recent days, more than 50 cross-party MPs have written to the prime minister to call for the state to award financial support to key workers' families if they lose their lives to the virus.
The letter, co-ordinated by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, called for help similar to that offered to military families, including a lump sum up front, guaranteed income for families and child payments for those under 18-years-old.
Dr Amged El-Hawrani, a consultant at Queen's Hospital in Burton, became one of the first medics to die at the weekend after testing postive for Covid 19.
His death came after London-based surgeon Dr Adil El Taylor died last Wednesday from the virus, and Dr Habib Zaidi, a GP in Essex, died in hospital while undergoing treatment for Covid 19 symptoms.
Ms Moran said the scheme should be open to all frontline staff, particularly NHS and social care professionals but also critical workers such as teachers.
She said: “Our gratitude to all those on the frontline, who are working to save and help others, is limitless.
"They are putting their lives on the line and they should know that, should the worst happen, the state will help their families.
“That’s why, while no money could ever compensate for any loss of life, setting up a coronavirus compensation scheme would provide security and comfort for those risking their lives.”
50 cross-party MPs have written to the PM calling for the creation of a Coronavirus Compensation Scheme. Our gratitude to all those on the frontline is limitless. They deserve the security and comfort this would bring. Sign the petition 👉 https://t.co/t2AcKeJCWp pic.twitter.com/d8A6m3N4BO
— Layla Moran 🔶 (@LaylaMoran)
The letter has been signed by a string of senior Tory backbenchers, including ex-police minister Mike Penning, former health minister Dan Poulter and Sir Charles Walker, joint vice-chair of the 1922 Committee.
The move also attracted support from shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin, Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts, the DUP's Jim Shannon and the SNP's Angus MacNeil, chair of the Commons international trade committee.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition in support of the scheme.
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