PM totally incapable of defending nation

THE first duty of the Government is supposedly the defence of the country and safety of the people. So why has Boris Johnson only recently announced a £16.5 billion boost for defence? (“PM reveals plan to protect nation”, Post, November 20). A number of the threats that he referred to have been known for some time. As have the rounds of reckless cuts to our defence capability by the Conservative party – many of which went against the recommendations of the Defence Select Committee.

Yet the PM gave priority earlier this year to the highly controversial HS2 with its estimated cost of £106 billion. That would have purchased a lot of military equipment with plenty left over for muchneeded projects, all creating employment.

And when Covid-19 struck and caught the Government with their guard down, HS2 money should have been used instead to help fight the pandemic on all fronts as that equates to the first duty during this national emergency.

The PM’S grand talk about a “space command” and “inexhaustible” lasers are all very well, but recent events have shown that some have not been deterred from overcrowding and have put their fun first. Also, that the first line of defence instruction of “hands, face, space” has not got across yet to everybody – during a pandemic it must be carried out by all.

We are not out of the woods yet. As Boris Johnson likes his largescale projects, he should immediately implement an all-out media health blitz. One that pulls no punches and emphasises the need for people to take more responsibility for their behaviour if we are to avoid further deaths and lockdowns.

Mark Iles Newark