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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Fionnula Hainey

Why is tonight's Clap for Carers the last one?

Clap for Carers has turned into a weekly ritual for households across the UK during the coronavirus pandemic - but tonight's looks set to be the last.

At 8pm this evening, for the tenth time, families and neighbours will step out onto their doorsteps to clap, cheer and bang on pots and pans in celebration of the nation's key workers.

But the weekly event looks to be coming to an end after the woman who created it spoke out about why she believes it's time to stop.

Annemarie Plas, a Dutch national living in south London who created the weekly 8pm Clap For Our Carers (PA)

Annemarie Plas, from London, said she has been "overwhelmed" by the support for Clap for Carers, but feels it is better to stop while it is at its 'peak.'

This week she has spoken out about wanting the show of support to finish after tonight, amid concerns it has become too political.

"I think it's good to have the last of the series [tonight], because to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak," she said.

"Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.

"I think the narrative is starting to change and I don't want the clap to be negative."

Mother-of-one Ms Plas, who is a Dutch national, said: "A clap is something normal people can do, showing our appreciation.

"But the power is not with us. We can give them respect but we are not signing the cheque - that falls on another desk."

Ms Plas has suggested when the event could be resserected however.

She said the next one should take place in 2021 to mark a year since the coronavirus outbreak.

The event has seen whole streets come together to make noise for workers on the frontline, with singalongs and fireworks becoming a regular feature.

Members of the royal family, the Prime Minister and celebrities have even been seen to join in.

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