Learn lessons of Covid-19 later

It may be the scientific advice suggests Covid-19 is on the wane and that allows the slogans and emphasis to be changed, only time will indicate the success of this policy.

The desire to protect wealth is a strong one and very much part of right-wing politics in this country.

Starting up the engines of profit share dividends and wealth accumulation indicates a panic which Johnson and his Cabinet colleagues cannot resist.

This will be followed quite soon by Sunak and co placing a deadline on supporting the 80% furlough. In fact an extension to October of the scheme has been suggested.

Already Sunak has talked about firms taking on a bigger burden and part-time furlough being introduced.

There is little doubt their motivation is, that by June, everyone will be back working and the financial support systems gone. Unfortunately as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland stick to their slogans and their Covid-19 actions remain comparatively the same, the UK Government will stop the furlough payments, DWP payment support and suspend business support no doubt, with the protestations of the other UK nations falling on deaf ears.

England will plough its own furrow regardless of these protestations.

The devolved settlements are merely worthless pieces of paper. There can be only one solution to Scotland’s devolution dilemma and that is to take charge of our own future in this much changed world. Dan Wood. Charles Melvin Gardens, Kirriemuir.

Sir, – Hindsight is a very useful tool in leaning lessons and planning for the future.

However too many times it is used by those wanting to score political points, air a professional grievance or lay down the foundations of blame.

In doing so any lessons that should be learnt are in danger of being lost in the resulting arguments.

In all four home nations the current watchwordsof opposition politicians, media and experts not directly involved in government planning seems to be “could have, would have, should have”.

This virus took everyone by surprise by its virulence and contagiousness.

Covid-19 moved at such a pace that government departments and agencies for a long time could only play catch-up.

In such an atmosphere, mistakes were made and vital decisions delayed, but that would have been the case no matter who was in charge.

Yes, at the end of this hold an inquiry as to what went wrong and in doing so learn lessons and plan for the future.

But let us not allow it to be used for cheap political point scoring and by others to pursue their own grievance and blame culture agenda. Paul Lewis. 99 Guardwell Crescent, Edinburgh.