Pub openings allow us to pay tribute and mark new freedoms

IT was a photo call waiting to happen, heralding the next stage in the road map out of lockdown – Boris Johnson today raising a glass of beer to celebrate the easing of restrictions allowing pub gardens to reopen.

However, the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday means that the Prime Minister has postponed his celebratory pint as a mark of respect.

Prince Philip was well known for not liking a fuss to be made of him, and would perhaps have been all in favour of the nation toasting his life with a glass or two.

And even if Boris will not publicly partake, drinks may well be raised in the Duke’s honour today at pubs across the Westcountry and the land, paying tribute to his dedication to royal service and the country.

Given the public will be unable to line the streets for his funeral this weekend in view of Covid lockdown rules on social distancing, and the ceremony has been scaled back, mourning will be restricted to a national silence on Saturday.

So it is as well that people can take the opportunity to pay their respects with a toast today – remembering his life at a time when we also herald new freedoms in the battle against coronavirus.

The Government will take a muted line today when it comes to marking the opening of shops and hospitality. Not just in view of Prince Philip’s death and the grief of the royal family, shared around the world, but also because it wants caution to be the watchword when it comes to the easing of lockdown laws.

As the Prime Minster said at the weekend: “I’m sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it’s a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed.

“I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme.”

As we have seen before, the virus is ready to bounce back at the slightest opportunity if we let down our guard. The vaccination programme has successfully built a line of defence – but it is far from complete and could be breached if people ignore the rules.

Importantly, the loosening of rules is largely confined to the outdoors, where the risk of transmission is far lower. But people still need to be wary of the risks, especially those most vulnerable to infection, given the majority have only had one dose and are far from fully protected.

That said, the roll-out of jabs coupled with efforts made to abide by the rules have certainly earned us the right to a little more freedom. Slowly and surely, some return to normality lies ahead.

While there will be those eager to rush back to shops, and businesses desperate for the trade, others will venture out with greater trepidation.

Our economy in the Westcountry, so dependent on leisure and hospitality, certainly needs this shot in the arm, and if all goes to plan summer could be one to enjoy.

So today, as pub gardens reopen, we may join together to raise a toast to Prince Philip or to new freedoms – or both.