Veterans

Boris Johnson 'Absolutely' Open To Captain Sir Tom Moore Statue Idea

Captain Sir Tom Moore holding medal after he received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Windsor Castle (Picture: PA).

The Prime Minister says he is "absolutely" open to the idea of a statue or public memorial for Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The 100-year-old NHS fundraiser, who help generate more than £32 million for the health service last year, died on Tuesday after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Health Secretary on Wednesday said Capt Sir Tom's contribution to the NHS will be formally marked.

Asked whether a statue might be built "in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London", Matt Hancock told LBC: "Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution that he made to the NHS and he was an inspiration to so many people."

Boris Johnson echoed the sentiment during a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, saying: "On the issue of a statue, a public memorial of some kind… I’m absolutely, of course, open to that.

"We will be working with his family to see what they feel is most appropriate and taking that forward."

Cover image: Captain Sir Tom Moore holding medal after he received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in July (Picture: PA).