Two years ago, on the steps of Downing Street, Boris Johnson lied that he had a plan to fix the social care crisis.
Now he finally has a plan, it turns out to be an unfair job-tax grab. Given that Labour leader Keir Starmer understandably opposes it, even this half-baked scheme looks dead in the water.
Broad agreement across the political spectrum is vital. And a large number of Conservative MPs are also against a National Insurance hike, as it would break a manifesto promise.
So financing comprehensive, high-quality care for the vulnerable and elderly is another major challenge that Johnson is flunking.
People requiring assistance to live comfortably deserve a level of social care to match the medical care the NHS provides.
Many can’t wait. They need it now.
But Johnson is letting them down. Again.
Worth the risk
Ministers’ decision to offer Covid jabs to all 12 to 15-year-olds – if the UK’s Chief Medical Officers agree – isn’t risk-free.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation judged the overall health benefit too small to justify dosing millions of pupils.
The move also highlights a widening divide between the Government and its scientific advisers. But amid growing worries the return of schools will increase infections, we believe vaccinating secondary school kids is justified.
Children relatively unharmed by the virus could transmit it to adults in greater danger, even those who are double-jabbed.
Quickly sending NHS teams into schools would be the fastest and most effective way to extend our protection against a killer that yesterday claimed another 68 lives.
Shining Sarah
Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding’s death aged just 39 is a tragedy.
The bravery with which she fought breast cancer was inspiring. We hope fans remember this engaging woman as Sarah’s mother knows she wanted: As a “bright shining star”, not for the terrible disease that killed her.
