Five lockdown lessons for Boris Johnson before new Tiers end in tears – The Yorkshire Post says

However the fractious tone to the latest Commons debate will do little to reassure the public that the Government’s strategy is the correct one.

Quite the opposite. Though everyone is sympathetic of the scale of the pandemic, and its wider societal and economic consequences, the Government’s mishandling of Covid risks exacerbating a breakdown of trust at this critical moment.

First, it is folly of Mr Johnson, and his team to pretend that they have all the answers. They don’t and they need to start engaging with MPs, regional leaders and local councils far more constructively.

Second, Ministers should be far more transparent over the publication of key data – and open to reviewing the Tier designation of individual councils, as opposed from counties, on a weekly basis.

Third, it is disingenuous of the Government to table legislation, like these new rules, that cannot be amended or challenged by its opponents. It is anti-democratic and one reason why Labour chose to abstain.

Fourth, there needs to be more targeted support for those sectors of the economy, like hospitality, facing ruin. Mr Johnson’s extra money for so-called ‘wet pubs’ helps; it does not assist brewers or suppliers. The North, which has faced tough restrictions for months now, is still to receive adequate support.

Fifth, the PM’s ebullience over the vaccine must be tempered by the fact that it will be months before many people are inoculated.

In the meantime, he must continue to use every measure at his disposal in the fight against Covid – including listening to all those with constructive suggestions to make.

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