The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health emergency of our time.

The virus has taken away friends, relatives and loved ones, and caused great uncertainty for us all. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. But together, our families, and our communities, will come through this.

It is the key workers in our country who will make this possible. We are all indebted to their bravery and commitment - from NHS staff, to teachers; from bus drivers, support staff to shop workers - we are so grateful for all they do to care and support others.

The vital roles of our key workers have long been overlooked. They put themselves on the frontline every day, often working extremely long hours and sacrificing time with their families for days on end. Their dedication and bravery in this time of crisis deserves our deepest gratitude. 

Many of us have been calling for this for a long time, but if anything good can come from this crisis, it should be that our key workers do not continue to be overworked and underpaid and that every one of them is valued, and paid fairly. 

So thank you to all our key workers who are helping us through this crisis, and thank you to all those who are supporting them by staying at home and saving lives.