The Covid criminals
After the Cold War and the end of Soviet rule, Russia had a chance to stand tall among the world’s democratic nations.
Instead under Vladimir Putin, Russia has become a rogue state, waging a new form of war against The West.
It stands accused of undermining sovereign nations through cyber hacking, espionage and spreading misinformation.
The charge sheet includes the Salisbury poisonings, interfering in the US elections, sabotaging a French TV station and cyber attacks on the German parliament.
We can now add to that shameful list the targeting of UK institutions trying to develop a vaccine for coronavirus.
The security services deserve credit for foiling this latest attack.
Russia could have joined the effort to find a cure for Covid-19. But no. It has tried to secure possibly ground-breaking research by cheating.
Putin and his corrupt regime have made their country an international outcast.
Put her on trial
Shamima Begum left this country to join a terrorist cult that gloated at the slaughter of her fellow Britons.
It is easy to understand the anger at the court’s decision to allow her back to contest the stripping of her citizenship. The fact she has shown no remorse adds to the outrage.
But, like it or not, Ms Begum is our responsibility. She was just 15 when she flew to Syria having been indoctrinated here. However grim her actions she should be tried in a UK court.
That is how Britain can show it values fair justice, unlike the regime she championed.
End this trade
We pride ourself on being a nation of animal lovers. Yet for too long we have ignored the cruel puppy trade.
Thousands are imported after being raised in terrible conditions and taken from their mums before they can develop immunity.
Other countries have now banned puppy imports, we should do so too.
