The Queen has once again summed up the mood of the nation.
Her VE Day speech echoed the thoughts of millions by paying tribute to those who laid down their lives so we could live in peace.
The 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe has been a bittersweet experience.
The lockdown meant many veterans had to mark the occasion in solitude. This was also meant to have been a chance for nations once divided by war to come together to celebrate decades of peace and co-operation.
But as the Queen said, while we haven’t been able to commemorate with parties, our streets are filled with love for the greatest generation.
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This country is again facing a great challenge that is testing our resolve and resilience.
In its own way it has brought out the best in people whether that is the kindness shown by neighbours or the dedication of our NHS staff, carers and other key workers.
During the war the watchwords of the Royal Family were never give up and never despair. They are as applicable now as they were then.
PPE shambles
It is incomprehensible that NHS staff are still being sent on to wards without adequate protective gear.
Each day brings more evidence of how the Government has blundered.
A consignment of 400,000 pieces of protective kit from Turkey was almost unusable.
A report by Channel 4 News found 80% of stockpiled respirators were out of date and tens of thousands of boxes of PPE had to be re-tested.
Over 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for an inquiry into this shambles.
The PPE shortage is costing medics’ lives.
The death of just one NHS worker would be considered a resignation matter.
There are over 150 care and health deaths and it’s shocking nobody has taken responsibility.
