Boris Johnson has reflected with Cabinet ministers on “a very dark and difficult year” for the nation on the anniversary of the first lockdown, Downing Street said.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The PM began Cabinet by reflecting on what he said had been a very dark and difficult year for our country.
“The PM said that we mourn all those we have lost and send our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones.
“The PM said the last year had also shown the great strengths of the British public, which had demonstrated such resilience and fortitude, and had shown such willingness to work together for a common good.”
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet also were said to have paid tribute to the “extraordinary service” of NHS and social care workers, as well as those in the public sector.
He also praised the “absolutely astonishing achievement” of British scientists and businesses in developing a vaccine and delivering it to half the adult population within a year.
