‘MP showed more courage in calling out PM’S advisor’

KAREN Bradley, MP for the Moorlands, has shown more courage than many of her fellow MPS in the Conservative Party in urging Dominic Cummings ‘to consider his position.’

This whole episode throws into sharp relief the clash of opinions in decision-making bodies, a clash common in nations threatened by the coronavirus pandemic. Governments need votes, or at least acceptance of their policies.

Scientists do not need votes and are moved by facts and probability. In this case not one has backed the government unreservedly.

The present policy, which might change, is the product of fluctuations and compromise.

Let us suppose that a premature relaxation of lockdown brings a second wave of the illness down on us - before we have recovered from the first.

What would be the effect of another lockdown? The dislocation, especially for schoolchildren, would be much worse.

Several business people and right-wing journalists have been advocating a quick end to the lockdown, which they have described as ‘economic suicide.’

Workers returning to their jobs might indeed feel a great sense of relief.

But are all the jobs ‘lost’ necessary? Do we need mass foreign travel? A bookie’s shop, a nail bar and a tattooist in every street? So many fast food outlets?

We need medical staff, police officers, fruit pickers and computer experts, to name only four essential occupations. Most of all we need people with a social conscience.

We should be very careful about rushing out of lockdown and trying to re-establish ‘normal’ life.

Perhaps we should spend our timeout to think about necessary changes and shifts.

Reflection, rather than a disastrous attempt to restore a set-up which is now passing should rise to the top of the agenda. Margaret Brown Address supplied