“I don't want claps... I just want people to stop arguing, work together”; Readers react to the Clap campaign return

We asked The Star readers whether they thought the return of the campaign was a good idea for raising morale once more or whether it would result in a negative response, this is what they said:

Trevor Waldron was very clear when he said; “No ! Stay at home and make their lives easier, that would be more helpful and more appreciated . Lobby the government to pay them properly”

Sandra Simpson agrees, saying; “As a retired nurse and one of 5 girls who are all nurses I believe that staying inside our own homes would be more effective and safe.”

Claire Webber says that the focus should be on more people, saying that; “I think it’s a lovely idea, but I also think this pandemic has affected so many people in all different walks of life. We should recognise the hospitality sector who have lost businesses, closed, or have been stuck at home and furloughed for months through no choice of their own.”

Tanya Ringrose is taking no prisoners, and says; “We should boo government instead!!”

Lee Wright believes that some people have their priorities wrong, when he said; “All due respect to them and their work but the public have turned their backs on the NHS, most people are more grateful for the pubs then the carers, personally I think their doing a fantastic job even way before COVID started”

Chezza on Twitter said; “It was a great the first time round but unfortunately no ones that positive this time round?”

Sally Smith is not a fan, saying; “This is ridiculous, it would be better to have proper PPE, decent wages, and support for ALL keyworkers. I'm a nurse doesn't make me feel more valued!! Masks, hand washing, and social distancing would be better... drum that in instead!”

Antony Harding has had enough and would prefer if we pulled in the same direction; “I don't want claps anymore. I don't even want a pay rise either.

I just want people to stop arguing, work together, do what they have been asked to do and (should they wish) to take their vaccine the moment they are offered it!”

Julie Taylor wants to take it a little further; “Instead of 'clap for carers' we should have 'slaps for idiots' and everyone who got a fine for breaching covid regs that week gets lined up and slapped with a glove full of sand on the end of a 2 meter stick!” — a bit extreme but we get it.

Not everybody is against it though, and some people believe it has its place.

Kerry Atkinson is firmly for it and she said; “Yes !!!!!! We did it every week , we have friends who are key workers and when we have been standing out clapping key workers going passed have beeped and got emotionally ......... it’s clapping it costs nothing ....... but means so much.”

Finally Diann Fitzgibbons raised a few (very valid) issues when she said; “No, it should be replaced by a pay rise, subsidise priced food at work and free parking.”