Set up world jabs initiative PM is urged

SCIENTISTS are urging Boris Johnson to lead a global vaccination drive as a shield against future virus outbreaks.

The UK has contributed

£548million to international vaccinator Covax but the organisation still has only two billion doses – a fifth of what it needs for poorer nations.

SAGE’s Prof Anthony Costello wants the PM to set up a UK Global Pandemic Board. He warned that without global immunity, vaccine-resistent mutant strains will reach Britain.

WHEN the chips are down, it is the rank-and-file backbone of Britain who can always be relied on to step up.

And turning back the Covid virus is no different to fighting off the other invaders who have threatened our nation throughout history.

The foot soldiers in this war are the doctors and nurses, the NHS workers who have come out of retirement, the soldiers, pharmacists and volunteers trained by St John Ambulance.

They did not hesitate to take up arms and put vaccines into them.

And behind them come the folk who man the car parks, the social distance queue marshals, the administrators and appointment bookers. Heroes all.

None had to be conscripted. All came forward willingly because they knew that now is the time for everyone to do their bit.

And they deserve our love this Valentine’s Day for defying the odds and meeting the punishing 15 million target they were set.

They are the ones who are really calling the shots by delivering them – not Boris Johnson and his ministers who take the credit for it. No wonder only five in 100 think the PM and his government have handled the pandemic well.

A poll by the GMB union shows NHS staff blame the Tories for failing them by not providing enough PPE.

They are angry over pay freezes and staff shortages and the knowledge that the culture of overworking them is far from over.

No army should go into battle with too few soldiers. No health service should be asked to cope with a pandemic with 100,000 too few workers.

Our gratitude will not make up for all the blood, sweat and tears they have shed – but our thanks, they have in buckets.

And we must continue to stay in our homes to help them until it is safe to come out. They must not be betrayed again.

In the next pay round they must be given the reward they truly deserve. Because these people are the pride of Britain.

The lions led by donkeys.