We need hope, not political point-scoring

MOST people work together with good humour, so it’s just as well we don’t rely on politicians to set us a good example.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer keeps telling us he won’t use the pandemic as a political football, yet misses no opportunity to put one in the back of the net.

Pundits tell us PM Boris Johnson has been slow to react, yet fail to explain what they would have done differently, even with the help of their best friend, hindsight.

None of the great and the good understands we need to hear a positive message in these dark times. Their egos are clearly more important to them than the need to demonstrate that cool heads prevail in an emergency. We deserve better from our leaders.

STEVE FORSHAW, Desborough, Northants.

Vaccine concerns

The suggestion by Tony Blair for a longer interval between the first and second Covid vaccinations — a plan now enacted by the Government — has some merit.

It will give double the number of people early protection at the cost of a small drop in the average effectiveness. Overall, more lives should be saved.

however, it could mean a few of those vaccinated won’t gain immunity. This means the aim of blocking transmission and herd immunity will not be achieved.

As the roll- out of the jab progresses, we will see millions of previously cautious people emboldened to be out and about.

To encourage compliance among the young, it has long been stressed that they, too, are in danger. Are they to be told the risks are suddenly acceptable once this suits their elders, for whom they sacrificed so much to protect?

JOHN RISELEY, Harrogate, N. Yorks.

Take Government to task

I hOPe Dame Joan Bakewell does take legal action against the Government over its policy to delay the second dose of the vaccine. Pfizer has stated there is no evidence its vaccine is as protective if a second dose is given more than 21 days after the first.

Delaying the second jab will not only affect people’s lives, but could mean millions of doses of the vaccine have been wasted.

J. BARKER, Manchester. ThOUGh I believe retrospectively changing the timing of the second vaccine injection to be misconceived, I am appalled that legal action is being threatened.

This would require evidence from the very experts whose time and skills need to be devoted to overcoming this virus rather than legal wrangling. Vaccine safety has been well established by the scientific bodies. The timing of inoculation is a question of effectiveness.

ROBERT KERR, Seaton, Devon.

Just wear a mask

I WORK in a DIY store and every day, along with colleagues and customers who care about the health and wellbeing of others, I am put at risk of Covid infection by selfish people who won’t wear a mask.

They think social distancing is a joke and snigger or are aggressive, abusive and awkward if I ask them to give me some space.

even when I try to appeal to their compassionate side and explain I am caring for an elderly, vulnerable relative and don’t want to catch and pass on coronavirus, it means nothing to them.

Security guards should turn away shoppers who refuse to wear a mask. This is not only for the sake of the staff and customers, but to help protect the NhS.

Name and address supplied. hOW dare shoppers who refuse to wear a mask jeopardise not just their own health, but that of others and the nation’s recovery (Mail)?

Face masks should not be viewed as a lockdown restriction, but as a necessary health measure. Any inconvenience is a small price to pay. Wearing a mask should be seen as our patriotic duty.

MARK ILES, Newark, Notts. I WALK my dog in a park and along the towpath where other pedestrians keep their distance.

however, joggers and cyclists seem to think the rules don’t apply to them. They pant and talk loudly as they pass by me at a distance of less than a metre.

P. MACKuSICK, Marlow, Bucks.

Cruel China

NeVeR mind Boris Johnson facing the wrath of China for criticising its ‘demented’ medical practices. China should be facing the wrath of the world for being responsible for the pandemic, as well as its appalling lack of human and animal rights. It’s time to stop pussyfooting round. ANGELA GALITzINE,

Vale, Guernsey.

I SeRVeD with the Royal Navy and witnessed appalling live animal markets in hong Kong. Rhinos and tigers are hunted so their body parts can be processed to enrich the sex lives of rich, old Chinese men.

I am astounded that a country with a cultural history that dates back before most of the West was civilised is still in thrall to ancient, unfounded beliefs.

Boris Johnson is right to be critical and should not apologise.

L. COLEMAN, Peterborough, Cambs.

The hole story

The JCB PotholePro, an all-inone pothole repair machine, is ingenious and efficient. But I fear it may fail to be a hit with council highways departments as it goes against the ethos of how our country’s roads are maintained.

First, the job has to be surveyed and assessed by a council official in a small van and with a large aerosol can of paint to mark the offending pothole.

A private contractor arrives with remote-controlled traffic lights 24 hours before work commences.

Then two men turn up to erect the necessary signs and cones in accordance with health and safety.

At 8am, three or four men arrive in a large truck. After reading the newspaper and having a cup of tea, they unload their shovels and a small road roller before knocking up some Tarmac.

They drag the job out before finishing at 3pm. The temporary lights remain for at least 24 hours after the work is completed, disrupting the traffic.

Why would councils need a brilliant machine to do the job? TONY CLAYTON,

Worksop, Notts.

So macho . . .

WheN their womenfolk started using scented shower gels, men continued to wash with Lifebuoy soap and wouldn’t have been seen dead using fancy toiletries.

Radox had to think of a way of selling its products to them. It came up with a version that appealed to macho men, mentioning muscles for the avoidance of any doubt.

Calling its range For Men was not down to sex discrimination, but was just a way to sell its products and make more money. JANICE PATIENT, Oakham, Rutland. I hAD to laugh that the article about Radox For Men being considered sexist was in Femail. STEVE WHEELER, Benfleet, Essex.