MPs have backed calls for a coin in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore to be brought forward by the Royal Mint.

It comes after Sir Tom, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS during the first Covid-19 lockdown, died on Tuesday aged 100.

In Parliament today, former minister Caroline Nokes told the Commons: “Captain Sir Tom Moore taught us that tomorrow is a good day.

“Can I ask Jacob Rees-Mogg, as Lord President of the Privy Council, to use his influence to bring about a commemorative coin for this remarkable national treasure and a debate in this House?”

Mr Rees-Mogg, who is also Leader of the House of Commons, responded: “Ms Nokes has the most brilliantly obscure knowledge because the approval of all coins does indeed come before the Privy Council on the suggestion of the Royal Mint.

“I hope that as Lord President I do see a proposal from the Royal Mint in due course.

“Captain Sir Tom Moore dedicated his life to serving his country and others, and he showed the value of all life that he in his 100th and 101st years showed that somebody of great age can make as important a contribution as anybody else in the country did over that last year.

“It is a reminder to all of us of the value of life and why it’s been right to protect life as far as we possibly can during this incredibly difficult period.”

Last night, people were urged to take to their doorsteps to applaud the Second World War veteran in a national Clap for Captain Tom.

In a poll of more than 700 T&A readers today, 301 said they did join in the clap, while 335 said they didn't, with 124 saying it was too political and 211 saying their neighbours weren't clapping either. 69 voters said they didn't know the clap was taking place.