Tenth Clap for Carers 'may be the last' after organiser says she will no longer take part

The 10th weekly Clap for Carers event may be the last, after the person behind the idea said she would no longer take part.

Millions of people across the UK have gathered – while socially distancing – on pavements, and stood in their gardens and doorways at 8pm every Thursday to demonstrate their support for care staff and frontline workers.

But the idea has been criticised by some for becoming “politicised”, while others, including NHS staff, have said some people who take part in the clap then wilfully ignore the plea to stay at home and avoid gatherings in an effort to ease the strain on the healthcare system.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick was filmed leading dozens of officers in the weekly applause for key workers on a crowded Westminster Bridge.

Annemarie Plas, 36, last week said she has no problem with people continuing to gather at 8pm each week to clap, but said she will not be among those taking part in future.

Annemarie Plas, from Streatham in south London, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain she will clap on Thursday evening, and will return outside at the same time next week to “check in” with her community, without applauding.

She is backing a crowdfunding campaign to challenge the Government over personal protective equipment for NHS staff.