As the UK begins to emerge from lockdown, buiness leaders have backed one last 'huge' applause to thank key workers on the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. 

People are being asked to come out and clap at 5pm on Sunday 5th July on the 72nd anniversary of the NHS to say thank-you to all the NHS staff who have worked during the coronavirus crisis.

Weekly claps became the norm in the first few months of lockdown with streets of neighbours heading out to their doorsteps, back gardens and windows to give thanks for the effort of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 crisis. The last clap took place on 28th May, after the woman who came up with the idea claimed the show of gratitude had "had its moment" and risked being politicised.

But this Sunday, it will come back as a one-off, with NHS bosses hoping to make it an annual event for the anniversary. Public buildings will be lit up in blue, including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch, the health service said. As a mark of respect broadcasters will also suspend transmissions for a moment.

People are also being encouraged to put a light in their windows the night before to remember all those who have died from COVID-19, the same day pubs, hairdressers and restaurants will be allowed to open for the first time.

The Clap for Carers initiative started on 25th March by Dutch-born Londoner Annemarie Plas. The weekly tradition was often accompanied by the banging of pots and pans. It was Ms Plas herself who called for the tradition to end after its 10th week and she expressed her hope that it could instead become an annual event.

 NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens says he hopes the public will use the anniversary as an opportunity to "say a heartfelt thank-you" to hospital staff.

Sir Simon said: "This year has been the most challenging in NHS history, with staff displaying extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion to care for the 100,000 patients with COVID-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and many others besides."

"During this testing time our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers."

"No health service, not even the NHS, could have coped alone with this coronavirus pandemic. From bus drivers and teachers to care staff and food retailers and, of course, the public who took action to stay at home to stop infection spreading, everyone played their part."