‘We must never forget them’: Covid memorial for London’s transport workers unveiled

A new, permanent memorial was unveiled today in honour of the London transport workers who lost their lives to coronavirus.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, spoke at a memorial event with family, friends and colleagues of the London transport workers who tragically passed away, to unveil the new plaque.

Mr Khan said: “It’s an honour to commemorate the more than 100 transport workers who lost their lives in the service of our city.

“When the entire nation was gripped by fear they did not waver. 

“They ensured our phenomenal NHS workers could still care for our friends and family, our shopworkers and delivery drivers could still meet our basic needs and our care workers could still look after our most vulnerable.”

Since March 2020, more than 100 transport workers have passed away due to coronavirus.

These workers, across London’s Tube, rail, buses, taxi and private hire services worked to keep London moving throughout the pandemic. 

The new permanent memorial pays tribute to the critical role they played in London’s fight against the global pandemic. 

The new memorial has been installed on a pedestrian square in Braham Street in Aldgate, and contains a plaque paying tribute to London’s transport workers alongside benches and new plants. 

This includes a Foxglove Tree planted beside the memorial, to create a space for quiet reflection and remembrance for friends, families and colleagues of those who passed away.

London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “This memorial pays tribute to our colleagues who helped the capital when it was needed the most, but we sadly lost to coronavirus. 

“Their tragic loss is devastating for us all and we owe them our gratitude and must never forget them.”

Pictured top: Sadiq Khan at the memorial today (Picture: TFL)