Another grim milestone was passed yesterday as the UK coronavirus death toll rose to 26,097.
We must always remember that each death is a personal tragedy that has left friends and families shaken with grief.
Their loved ones will want to know why the UK is now on course to have one of the highest fatality rates in Europe.
As it stands we have more reported deaths than France and Spain, and are second only to Italy in terms of the number of lives lost.
International comparisons can be misleading but the Government needs to explain how Germany, with a population of 83 million compared to the 63 million in the UK, has so far reported 6,374 deaths.
Dominic Raab has refused to commit to holding a public inquiry but the case for one is now overwhelming.
The public has a right to know if lives could have been saved through better testing, the proper provision of protective kit and the lockdown being imposed sooner.
Clap them all
So many have played their part in helping the country through the virus.
From the NHS staff working round the clock to the care workers risking their own lives.
Unsung heroes also include the transport workers, delivery drivers, military personnel and others too numerous to mention.
Their contributions amount to a great collective endeavour. Which is why we will clap for our key workers again tonight.
We should add a special round of applause for Captain Tom Moore who turns 100 today. The army veteran has lifted our spirits.
Boris’s boy
Congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds on the birth of their baby boy.
Downing Street is often the scene of sleepless nights, temper tantrums and toddlers throwing their toys out of the pram, so the new arrival should feel right at home...
