'Here we go again - we're being led by gambler who won't listen'

Here we go again. It’s the definition of madness, isn’t it? To repeat the same actions and expect a different result.

Well, here we go again.

At the time of writing, and the picture is changing by the second, we can still have Christmas.

But it’s going to come at a price.

Our PM has written a cheque to underwrite the festive season.

But come the new year, he’s going to have to cash it.

Of course he couldn’t have foreseen this variant, but we could have done a lot more to protect ourselves. To protect himself, he’s put us all at risk. That’s not leadership. That’s gambling. And he’s going to lose.

Are you listening, Boris? (Getty Images)

SAGE scientists say we should introduce tougher measures as soon as possible to save the pressure on a buckling NHS.

Downing Street says: “Let’s wait for the data.”

By the time that data comes, we’ll be in the thick of it. Again.

There’s not really much more to say. It’s impossible to berate the PM, or impress on him the need to – as he promised – follow the science. He won’t listen.

Instead, we should talk about the people who are going to have to face the real weight of Mr Johnson’s reckless call.

Today, tomorrow, for God knows how long, countless NHS staff are strapping on the PPE again. Walking into packed hospitals, seeing desperate patients. They’re seeing their colleagues pushed to breaking point. By Christmas Day, say the experts, they will be 50,000 staff short.

It should be different. This time, no doorstep parades. No cheap medals, no platitudes.

Prime Minister, just do us all a favour. Listen to the scientists.

Do what you’re supposed to. Get it right.

System failed Star

The Star Hobson story, the little girl murdered by those supposed to protect her, shook the country.

Brutal, shocking, terrifying. It’s impossible to imagine the suffering of that child, or damage it has done to those who loved her.

Once again, as in the case of little Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, questions are being asked about whether the death could have been prevented.

There must be full inquiries into both these murders. There can be no excuses, no mitigation. A system that allows these heinous crimes to happen has failed.

It needs to be examined then redesigned before it can be allowed to happen again.