WATCH: Lord Mayor proposes Freedom of Belfast for frontline workers

by Rebecca Black, PA.

The Lord Mayor has proposed that frontline workers should receive the Freedom of the City of Belfast.

Daniel Baker said he has written to all the party group leaders on Belfast City Council to canvass support for the move.

He said frontline workers should include all those providing essential services through the coronavirus pandemic, such as those working in food production, transport and refuse collection as well as health staff.

"These are truly unprecedented times for all in society as we continue to battle against Covid-19," he said.

"Those on the front line of that battle; our healthcare workers, to those working in shops, food production, bin collection, transport and all other essential services, rightly deserve to be recognised.

"I have written to the party group leaders in Belfast City Council to request their support to award the Freedom of the City to all of these invaluable stalwarts.

As the first citizen I have written to all the party group leaders asking for their support to award the freedom of this city to our healthcare workers and all those that are working tirelessly on the frontline to care for vulnerable citizens.
We will forever be in your debt ❤ pic.twitter.com/JPbQkEynWC

— Danny Baker MLA (@danielbakersf) May 4, 2020

Video message from the Belfast Lord Mayor Daniel Baker.

"Without the tireless and dedicated work of our frontline workers we would be in a much bleaker place than what we are today.

"On behalf of all the citizens of Belfast, I want to say thank you for all that you're doing. You're all truly incredible.

"Let's hope that we can mark the Freedom of the City being awarded in a way that is fitting post Covid-19."

The Freedom of Belfast was bestowed on nurses in 2016.

Other previous recipients of the honour include actor Sir Kenneth Branagh, musician Van Morrison, poet Michael Longley and Olympic athlete Dame Mary Peters.