Dewsbury's Betty Boothroyd hails hero Captain Tom Moore who has 'put blustering Ministers to shame'

The former Speaker of the House of Commons makes the comment in a personal tribute to the 99-year-old as he prepares to open – via video link – the new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate for Covid-19 patients.

Baroness Boothroyd OM, the first female Speaker of the Commons, says the £27m-plus raised by Captain Moore on the eve of his 100th birthday by walking 100 laps around his garden stands in contrast to the “waffling” of Ministers.

“Let’s be frank. Enough of weasel words and broken promises, and last month’s compliance is turning to anger,” she told The Yorkshire Post.

“Captain Tom Moore has become a national hero because he touched a chord with thousands of people who had never heard of him.

“While the Government busied itself with less pressing problems of its own making, Tom proved that age is no barrier to veterans with his energy and sense of duty and no government dare dispute it.”

Dewbury-born Baroness Boothroyd, 90, added: “In the process, he has done more to raise public morale than all the bluster from members of Boris Johnson’s beleaguered Cabinet.

“Tom wears his fame lightly but the public knows the genuine article when they see it. He is perpetually grateful for all the support he can muster for the NHS in its hour of need.

“He has done more than raise more money for a good cause than any fundraiser before him. He has won our hearts. He needed no bugle call to return to active service wearing his war medals.

“He recognised the similarity between the front-line role of NHS doctors and nurses in the current crisis and the bravery of British soldiers in two world wars. While Ministers waffled, some of Britain’s most eminent scientists and medical experts were sidelined.

“Tom’s personal tribute to the NHS has aroused the nation’s admiration and raised an astonishing £27m and counting.

“Tom is now part of Yorkshire’s proud history and we salute him. Happy 100th birthday Tom. We send you our heartfelt congratulations – and thank you.”

Meanwhile Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, credits Captain Moore with unleashing “a tidal wave of gratitude and generosity to our amazing NHS workers”.

He adds: “The £27m plus that he has raised will make a massive difference to NHS staff on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.

“As an adopted Yorkshireman and honorary member of the Yorkshire and Parachute Regiments I salute this brave son of Yorkshire for his grit, his determination, and his big, big heart.

“Captain Tom – you are an inspiration – I thank God for you!”