Take the politics out of virus briefings
FOR the past two nights the Downing Street press conference – aimed at the important matter of updating the public on how the NHS is dealing with the virus – has been hijacked by journalists trying to score political points around the actions of Dominic Cummings. How dare they?
At a time when every aspect of our lives is being effected by the coronavirus, most of us tune in every day to get an update in the hope of getting even the slightest hint of good news that our lives can return to normality – sooner rather than later.
But over the past two days we have had an endless stream on duplicated snipes at the government – and even though the first question receives a detailed answer, every other journalist thinks it’s productive to ask that same question with just the slightest adjustment.
They drag the level of questioning down and they should be ashamed of themselves.
Tod White, Heywood Defending the indefensible
I WATCHED the daily coronavirus update given by Boris Johnson with amazement (May 24)!
His breathtaking arrogance or stupidity (take your pick!) was quite beyond me in his defence of Dominic Cummings’ shenanigans during lockdown.
The prime minister defended the indefensible by reinterpreting his own lockdown regulations in a way that suited himself and was foreign to what the rest of the nation believed them to be.
It was the first briefing Johnson had given for 13 days!
I believe the other government ministers were fed up with being fall guys and insisted that the PM should do it himself, since he is the most able among them to bluff and bluster and never answer a tricky or embarrassing question.
So yesterday was no different. When asked about Cummings’ visit to Barnard Castle after he had broken lockdown regulations, or when he first knew of his chief adviser’s car journey to Durham, he simply didn’t answer the questions.
When the questioner wanted to repeat the unanswered questions Johnson quickly closed him down and moved on to the next question.
When this pandemic started Johnson and Cummings thought the best way to deal with it was by herd immunity (they called it ‘facing it head on!’). It is now believed this would have brought about a quarter to half-a-million deaths!
It is not surprising they thought this way since they treat the British public like a herd of cows while they rampage in the next field like two prized bulls.
Colin Morrison, Whitefield
Johnson not to blame
IN response to Steve Roman’s letter (M.E.N, May 25). As Boris Johnson has only been leader of the Tory Party since July last year it is ridiculous to blame him for everything happening now or over the past 10 years.
He was mayor of London until 2016 and excelled in the job. He hasn’t been part of the Cabinet since becoming an MP and he like many back benchers would find it hard to affect party policy.
Boris Johnson wasn’t one of the 975 people who attended a pandemic simulation in 2016 unlike members from Public Health England, the NHS and local authorities.
The policies Johnson announced after the December 2019 election had the Labour Party quaking in its boots. The policies showed a caring side, completely at odds with previous Tory governments.
My heart goes out to people on zero-hours contracts, which should be made illegal. However, I don’t know how one calculates a fair minimum wage.
The truth of the matter is many people work all their life doing important, responsible jobs and never earn £20k per annum.
One thing that cannot be denied is that over the last 10 years there are many more people paying little or no income tax.
Although I agree with the scrapping of the £645 immigrants had to pay to use the NHS, it has to be remembered that we all pay to use the NHS through our taxes and National Insurance. And don’t forget the cost of prescriptions.
If you are on a minimum wage and are below the tax threshold, you are now getting free NHS treatment which is surely a good thing.
Jack Haynes, Swinton
How will new rules work?
WITH regard to the news that Spain has decided to lift its quarantine laws in July, allowing Brits to visit again. We will be starting quarantine here next month, reviewed every three weeks, for people returning to England, isolating for 14 days. How will this work? Who would relish that idea, especially if they have a job to return to after their break.
J.G., Chorlton
Ghost of a chance
I READ with interest the plans for a £60m transformation of Stockport’s Weir Mill into hundreds of new homes (M.E.N., May 22).
Although the redevelopment is no doubt welcome news for Stockport town centre, only the other night I watched a 2017 episode of ‘Most Haunted’ filmed in the mill.
Apparently the mill is very haunted with apparitions, footsteps, and something else... which supposedly walks the upper floors!
Maybe those who occupy the homes in the mill in the future will have to be brave, as well as willing. Chris, Middleton