We need Boris to rally the nation

IT IS notoriously hard to get back on to top form after a setback or an illness, and we have the utmost sympathy for the Prime Minister as he takes back control following a messy period of mistakes and false hopes, made harder by his own grave illness.

So it is with real goodwill and support that we today urge Boris Johnson to take a firm hand, and quickly. The relaxation of the two-metre rule, incessantly hinted at, would be an excellent start. Why not do it today?

Far too often in this short crisis, the Government has promised and not delivered, especially in the various farces affecting its track and trace efforts. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been especially distinguished in failing to meet targets he has set himself.

All the economic indicators suggest that the country will soon be facing a jobs apocalypse and some severe budgetary changes. Making it easier for the hospitality industry to restart properly – without finicky restrictions and with a chance of making money – would be a simple, easy and wise thing to do.

The Premier has certainly got some things right. The virus appears to be in retreat. The NHS was not overwhelmed. Now he has a chance to show real, decisive leadership, by contrast to the BBC’s new hero Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour l eader, who has carefully avoided any risk.

What we expect of Boris Johnson are the things he is famous for – clarity, grip, originality and an ability to rally the nation through his unique combination of cheerfulness and resolution. We would like to see them now, please.