With confidence in the Government draining away and a fatal virus on the rampage again, Boris Johnson must today level with the British people.
This worsening emergency is no time for the Prime Minister’s trademark bluster, sweeping generalisations and fact-free assertions.
There is widespread confusion about how the rules apply to individuals and families and a worrying, widespread belief that the restrictions are contradictory and make little sense.
Shutting all pubs and bars at 10pm and limiting all food and drink to table service need to be justified by scientific advice.
Only then will people accept the local lockdowns suddenly going national.
That’s why it was an error yesterday to ban questions to England’s chief medical officer and scientific adviser, who claimed there could be 50,000 new infections a day by next month and 200 deaths a day in November.
The Government must explain, explain, explain or lockdown fatigue will dangerously undermine public compliance.
Hear hear, Keir
A man with a plan, Labour leader Keir Starmer’s vision for Britain is compelling.
Millions are yearning for a fresh start.
Starmer wants to make Britain the best place both to grow up in and grow old in.
He displays the practical patriotism of a politician proud of his country while recognising that it could also be much better.
It is refreshing to see opinion polls repeatedly finding people would prefer him as Prime Minister over Boris Johnson.
He is a Labour figure with the potential to lead his country as well as his party.
Barmy Army
The enduring appeal of Dad’s Army is a mixture of nostalgia and appreciation of a skilfully scripted comedy series.
As long as television viewers can still laugh at the failings of spirited folk trying to do their best, we’re not all... doomed.
