We can respect rules without being obsequious. When dissent is forbidden, we are no longer a free people

IN the present emergency those who favour lockdown and slavishly follow Government diktat would be equally at ease in any dictatorship.

We seem to have two extremes at the moment: those who are reckless and deliberately flout the law; and those who supinely submit to Government control.

It is frightening that neighbours are now spying on one another and ushering in a police state. They even take the high moral ground. Those who favour total lockdown don’t seem to be fully aware of the health problems it is creating and the damage to the economy.

Among other things, their excess zeal may have to be paid for by increased taxes, a reduction in pensions and benefits and less money for the NHS. Those who counter that there are more important things than money tend to have it. Will they strike the same note if it hits their pockets and they lose their creature comforts? I doubt it.

People who argue the Government is acting on medical advice have never considered the alternatives. There is a growing body of opinion questioning Government rationale and the world that is shaping it. What part is China and “socialist millionaires” playing in all this? Will it change the world order? These are questions we all need to ask.

There is no room for dissent anymore and those who refuse to conform will no longer enjoy that luxury. If we don’t run with the herd, we will be demonised.

We should consider Government advice — even act on it — but we should never abdicate our right to question. When we do that we have surrendered the right to be a free people.

This is the Third World War, fought with ideas that will divide family and friends and spill onto the streets.

With no obvious enemy and no clear terms of engagement, who will defend our rights? We’ll be flying by the seat of our pants to an unknown destination. We could arrive in 1984, in bed with Big Brother.