MPS need to make sure we all follow rules

WE are now “all in this together” (Tier Three) but not, I suspect, in the way whoever coined the inspiring phrase meant. People are pointing the finger of blame – and why not as we have been let down not just by the Government in a number of ways ever since the start of the pandemic (the jury is out on all of that) but also by a minority of the public who are not team players and presumably feel the pandemic does not apply to them.

Well (and please excuse my choice of word) it bloody well does and so they should be singled out. It might just make them realise just how indiscriminate and deadly Covid-19 is and to be more responsible. In the case of the ongoing student house parties, they might cease and a student or two might actually apologise to Nottingham for their reckless and selfish behaviour.

Local MPS have understandably said a lot recently about funding arrangements and the new tiers in the Nottingham Post and elsewhere. For instance, Lillian Greenwood, the MP for Nottingham South, accused the Government of treating the county with “contempt” (“New restrictions will have a ‘huge impact”, Post, October 29). But I do not recall any MP calling out those who do not comply with the rules. It is as though what should be seen as unacceptable behaviour has become accepted.

MPS should also talk about people’s conduct in the strongest of terms at every media opportunity and help make the case for why “hands-face-space” is so vitally important. After all, the harsh reality is that close contact between people can spread the virus and that there are those that continue to break the rules – MPS must surely know this.

Boris Johnson is also reluctant to tell it how it is. He often praises the public for their patience whilst those whose irresponsible behaviour is setting us back draw no criticism. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, recently said “... and to extend my gratitude to the people of Nottinghamshire who have shown real resilience, consistency working together to follow the rules...”. This is no time for electioneering – he should get out more and see the numbers of people not social distancing or wearing face masks and to go with the police on an evening patrol.

To put this another way – if everybody had followed the rules, then most likely we would not be in the situation we are now facing. But if we all adhere to the rules henceforth, we will get through this a lot sooner.