Do our politicians fear a nationalistic backlash?

ON UK TV, I am told of the “competition” between different countries, compared to Britain, of the amount of vaccine available to each, where we, apparently, have ordered more than we can use.

UK politicians seem vaguely international in their concern, but very reluctant to suggest definite action by us, to help foreigners. It may well be that such politicians are quite sincere, but fear a nationalistic, Brexiteer backlash from the UK voters, if they suggest giving “our” vaccine to the elderly vulnerable in refugee camps.

At the same time, I hear very brief accounts that the nations which both UK and USA have declared to me to be villains, Russia and China, are exporting vaccines manufactured in their countries, to other nations, such as Turkey, from which they cannot possibly derive any benefit. Nationalism is a childish, symbolic emotion, waving flags and refusing to cooperate with other nations. It has never been the same as patriotism, ethical beliefs based upon our pride in what Britain has contributed to the world, such as the principle of universal health care in the NHS.

In a world where my access to the truth is severely limited by gross prejudice in my own country, I am very confused. That vaccine is the most powerful recommendation. Neville Westerman Brynna

Nationalism is a childish, symbolic emotion, waving flags and refusing to cooperate with other nations

Neville Westerman Brynna