Hero is an overused tribute but Desmond Tutu was a true, towering hero who will go down in history as a titan of our time.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was not only a driving force in the anti-apartheid movement that ended white supremacist rule in South Africa but a continuing moral voice in a country striving for a vibrant future.
Tutu did not hide from criticising the scarring corruption of ex-President Jacob Zuma by championing the interests of all South Africans, particularly the still poor black majority.
Barack Obama articulated the appreciation of many as he hailed the churchman as “a mentor, friend and moral compass” in a fitting tribute to a man whose goodwill, laughter and smile triumphed over evil.
Stop dithering
Boris Johnson must make clear today – not tomorrow or the day after – whether Covid restrictions will remain unchanged or are to be tightened in England on New Year’s Eve and beyond.
Whatever we think of changes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, political leaders in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast can at least say they were open in advance.
In London the PM is clueless as usual, trapped between dither and delay, and frightened to do what is best in the public interest.
It may be that hospital and mortuary data means new rules are not justified.
If that is the case, let Johnson shout that loud and proud immediately. What we deserve is an end to uncertainty and confusion. Alas, this Prime Minister is out of his depth.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments below.
Gift of a PM
Labour's 8% lead in the polls is a New Year’s gift with a ribbon and balloon attached from the Conservatives.
It would give Keir Starmer a 26-seat majority in an election and retake Red Wall seats lost to the Tories in England’s North and Midlands and in Wales.
Thank you, Boris Johnson, for all you have done for political parties other than your own.
