What links Brexit and virus response? An inept Government

IT is with great sadness that I have to inform your readers that we are all now living in a failed state.

There can be no other conclusion – we have a government mired in its own ineptitude making wrong call after wrong call.

Despite the huge trauma of the Covid pandemic, it still seeks to pursue Brexit. A recent report from Harvard University calculates that a trade deal with the US will add £3.4bn to UK income whilst there will be a £112bn loss from leaving the EU. Smart move?

On the matter of vulnerability to Covid infection, there is clear evidence that those suffering deprivation are significantly more at risk and that – regionally – the danger of the virus continuing to spread remains higher in the north of England, compared with the South.

It is at this juncture that the Government has removed “deprivation” as a weighting factor in the calculation of Westminster financial support to local government. In consequence Knowsley (high level of deprivation) suffers a 39 per cent cut whilst leafy South Gloucestershire receives a 30 per cent increase. Such things could happen only in a banana republic. I rest my case.

From: Denise Baker, Scalby Road, Scarborough.

IT is astonishing how many people don’t know what ‘stay alert’ means. Yes, these are worrying times but use common sense and take responsibility for your actions.

Many of those who say they are confused by ‘stay alert’ are the very same people who said “I didn’t understand what voting Leave meant in 2016”. I wasn’t confused then and I’m even less confused now.

From: Nick Yates, Brighouse.

A RECENT report from Cardiff University suggests the ingestion of alcohol can damage and kill Covid-19 by penetrating its protective layer of fat. The use of mouthwash containing 20 to 30 per cent alcohol is recommended and infectivity to other people can be reduced by 100 per cent.

While research continues, may I suggest that a regular tot of whisky or your favourite tipple may be beneficial.

From: Peter Rickaby, Selby.

EU negotiators in Brussels have much in common with our teaching unions. Neither, when looking for answers to problems, work to the principle of “where there is a will, there is a way”.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson