Covid lockdowns disastrous for UK

Sir, – Statistics published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest Sweden’s approach to combating Covid-19 was perhaps the better way.

Excess deaths for 2021 in Sweden rated 38 per 100,000 compared to 109 per 100,000 for the UK.

Sweden’s “lockdown” was targeted – the entire country was not shut down. The elderly and clinically vulnerable were encouraged to isolate. Citizens retained the freedom to exercise informed judgment and behave responsibly – for their own good and the benefit of others. No draconian legislation.

Contrast this with the good intentions of Professors Whitty and Vallance which convinced politicians to shut down UK plc and pass legislation to compel citizens to “stay at home”.

Results? Money disbursed by the Exchequer in support of Covid – billions claimed, never to be returned to the taxpayer. Businesses closed – never to reopen. Employment sustained temporarily through furlough at considerable cost. Unemployment now rising. Too much money chasing too few goods and services, resulting in rampant inflation. A huge national debt. Nothing short of disastrous.

The only significant success was the rollout of the vaccination programme. Not to forget PM Johnson’s resolve to open up the economy and relax Covid restrictions in England well in advance of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, despite the prophets of doom and gloom on the opposition benches.

Our only hope is we will have learned from the mistakes of the last two years and more.

Bill Maxwell,

Mar Place,

Keith.