Dear Reader,

SOME people are beginning to think we’ve had a change of government without the hoo-ha of a general election.

The one-time libertarian Prime Minister seems to believe every word that pours forth from the likes of Professor Neil Ferguson, who this week said it was ‘unwise’ to book a holiday overseas this summer. Boris has even suggested that proof of vaccination might be required when ordering a pint of bitter and packet of crisps.

Which is a very different to the idea of travel passports, something that almost certainly will be introduced as soon as we’re allowed to leave the country. But when will that be? The grandly named Global Travel Task Force was due to declare its hand on April 12 but that has been brought forward to April 5.

Is that good news or bad news for those of us who think there should be some rewards for our magnificent vaccine roll- out programme and that risk is something we should aspire to live with?

One theory is that the Government doesn’t want any downbeat announcements to overshadow the long-awaited, happy day when pubs and restaurants open for business on April 12, as long as they have outside seating.

Conversely, it could be that Rishi Sunak has reminded his Downing Street neighbour that the economy has lost some £13 million an hour since the pandemic began owing to the collapse in domestic and foreign tourism (to places such as Parga in Greece, pictured) and that the country was promised its freedom once the majority of its citizens have received their jabs.

That day has almost come. So our cover story this week raises a glass to a potent symbol of that freedom — a spring hike in glorious countryside followed by liquid refreshments and lashings of British banter.

We’re also gearing up for a Mail giveaway (Pages 64 & 65) on Monday with the chance to win a £ 56,000 motorhome. Your own bubble on wheels, with all mod-cons. A vehicle for our times.