Normality beckons us, now we must aid India

THE open letter signed by 22 eminent scientists from different fields which we have published today should certainly be taken seriously by the Prime Minister.

While opinions on this issue will differ, it is significant because it underlines that

Britain is now at a point where some of the restrictions which appeared have to become an everyday fact of life can at last be reconsidered.

So this is a good time for Boris Johnson and his ministers to look at things such as mask wearing and social distancing and work out when these safeguards will no longer be needed.

As Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says, we are making more steps taking us closer to the “return of normal life in full” so we should grow in confidence.

On top of that we cannot have a situation where social distancing and mask wearing become permanent parts of British life because this will certainly have social and mental health consequences.

However, the images we are seeing from India and the shocking rise in Covid-19 deaths there underline that now we have things more under control in this country we must look to help our friends abroad.

Britain is in a strong position to come to the aid of less well-off countries both with expertise, medical equipment and vaccine doses.

Brexit has freed the UK not only to look after itself better but also to play a more significant role on the global stage.

The pandemic is no respecter of borders and this is a time for the UK to stand up and show leadership.