If we enjoy a merry Christmas, we may be faced with an unhappy New Year – a warning that none of us wanted to hear.
The words yesterday from Cambridge University statistician Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter rang alarm bells about the potential impact of Christmas socialising.
Continued contradictory messages from a rule-breaking Prime Minister on both parties and socialising is heightening concern as the coronavirus spreads, including an Omicron variant worrying virologists.
And when vaccines are the main line of Britain’s defence in this pandemic, Boris Johnson’s failure to mobilise a national jabbing programme to match the huge effort earlier this year is a lethal and expensive blunder.
Statistics released by Labour leader Keir Starmer, showing 424,330 doses in a recent 24-hour period were less than half the 873,784 in a day at the peak last March, damn a frequently complacent and dithering No 10.
More suffering
The killing of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes demands a national review to protect other children from evil crimes – but regrettably there is no certainty other little innocents will not lose their lives.
We heard that from Government ministers after Victoria Climbie, Baby P – Peter Connolly, Daniel Pelka and now Arthur that lessons must be learned and perhaps some were.
Yet children continue to die after facing the most horrific and unthinkable cruelty.
Increasing already lengthy prison sentences may assuage public anger and deliver what many would applaud as tougher justice. What does not exist is evidence the prospect of extra years in prison would deter depraved adults.
Strictly Dan-go
It was probably time for Dan Walker to foxtrot off Strictly – after doing so well to reach the show’s quarter final.
The BBC Breakfast presenter and tearful professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova put their best foot forward and should be proud.
