Bit of a distinction to be made here, pfr. If you choose to refrain from the clapping, that's grand. Nobody I know is trying to pressurise or bully anyone else into doing it. But if you choose not to do it, then stick your head above the parapet to call our actions vacuous or populist or useless, that ridicule actually seems to be pressurising US not to do it. Everyone I know comes out to do it. With everyone I know, this little action has promoted discussion and heightened awareness of the sacrifices being made by those workers on the front line and the dangers they confront every day. That includes your missus, my sister (who is doing exactly same as your missus as it happens) and all those beautiful people who are looking after my mum with such love. We can't get them a pay rise or better safety kit by going out to applaud them. But we can show our deep appreciation, maybe make them feel a tad better about life, and make the stinking Tories shift uncomfortably from privileged buttock to privileged buttock as we let them know what they've done to OUR NHS and care sector. But mostly, just to show our appreciation and gratitude.