Public will NOT be able to mark Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph because of the coronavirus pandemic

 Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph will be closed to the public amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Crowds will not be allowed to go to the service on November 8 and will be asked to mark the day at home.

The usual Royal British Legion march past has also been cancelled over public health fears.

It is expected that members of the Royal Family and dignitaries will still attend to lay wreaths to remember the fallen 

The legion had previously hoped to still be able to hold the service with the march, but with additional measures.

It had previously said: 'To ensure the safety of all those who are participating and to comply with social distancing measures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the overall number of people taking part in the March Past the Cenotaph 2020 will be considerably lower than in previous years.

'The well-being of those who choose to attend the March Past is our priority, and we have been working with the Government and relevant Associations to ensure the march is able to go ahead safely and that, in the centenary year of the Cenotaph, as many members of the Armed Forces community as possible are represented.' 

Some veterans will be invited to attend the service, which will be made Covid-secure.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: 'This Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance as it marks one hundred years since the Cenotaph was installed.

'Whilst we will mark this occasion properly, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe.

'We will ensure our plans for the day are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that our veterans are at the heart of the service - with the nation able to watch safely from home.'