The Queen rallied the nation with a characteristically steadfast message.
She was right to say that all of us need to change our habits if we wish to protect our loved ones, friends and neighbours.
Her Majesty’s calm and measured intervention stands in contrast to Boris Johnson’s comments yesterday, when the Prime Minister struck a flippant tone when he said he wanted to “send the virus packing”.
Downing Street is leaving questions unanswered and sending out mixed messages.
By telling people to stay away from pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues, the Government has left millions of retail, leisure and hospitality staff at risk of losing their jobs. If you put people’s livelihoods on the line, you must explain how they will survive financially.
Everyone accepts this is an unprecedented challenge for the Government. But Mr Johnson risks losing the public’s trust if he does not sharpen up his administration’s response.
Race shame
The Windrush scandal failed a generation that helped rebuild this country in the post-war years.
The way they were treated by Home Office ministers and officials was shameful.
As the report by Wendy Williams makes clear, the department was “institutionally ignorant” when it came to race.
Innocent people’s lives were turned upside down because of the aggressive immigration policy pursued by the Government.
While the apology by Home Secretary Priti Patel is welcome, it does not go far enough.
The report’s recommendations must be implemented in full, and that includes ending the hostile environment towards migrants.
If Ms Patel’s words are genuine then she needs to prove it in her actions.
Let’s shine on
Today is the first day of spring.
At this difficult time at least we can take comfort from the warmer weather, blossoming flowers and the evening sunlight.
