‘Put common sense before Government scientists’ over virus – Yorkshire Post Letters

PROFESSOR Alice Roberts asks “Do we actually have a Prime Minster any more?” apparently in response to Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance giving a public briefing on Monday unaccompanied by 
Boris Johnson.

I, on the other hand, see this as momentary vision of how things might have been: a range of scientific experts directly informing people without Government feeling the need to interpose between us.

This would have provided a basis for everyone to adopt a level of precautions based on their own judgement and suited to their circumstances and priorities.

In many cases, these would have been earlier and more strict than official doctrine, for others less so.

With such a multi-track approach, the weight of the law would be reserved for places such as supermarkets, where those following different regimes are closer together.

Wider regulation and enforcement places unreasonable restrictions on the young and is unlikely to capture good sense within simple rules.

A major downside of imposition is that it effectively creates state liability for the economic impact of changes in behaviour which should have been matters of free choice. We don’t compensate businessmen if a change in popular taste or fashion robs them of their customers.

I admire entrepreneurs and applaud when their endeavour yields them a profit. But I equally expect them to own any loss and not suddenly morph into socialists.

Every section of society is clamouring for the state to maintain its income while total output is plummeting. How exactly would this be achievable?

Many worthy people, including actors and musicians, are out of work. But if your profession is not producing an income, then it is a hobby. Their status does not entitle them to be maintained in the style to which they have become accustomed.

In normal times the hospitality sector has a high rate of start-ups and failures and a rapid turnover of labour.

It is ludicrous to suggest staff should now be kept on a state-funded retainer for many months.

The size of this sector is presented as an argument for propping it up. But, set against high levels of personal debt and low investment, its size is actually an indictment of our over-indulgence.

From: Ian Smith, Colston Close, Bradford.

THE latest battle cry of “hands, face and space” sounds just right to me, because it doesn’t need clarification. It suits every scenario. Surely, those who choose to misguidedly interpret or misinterpret the rules, often with narrow-minded ignorance, bias and frequently ill-founded criticism against those who seek to guide us with common sense, or the misled conspiracists, are escalating the crisis?

That’s not to mention, but referring to, the self-appointed national baby sitters – elements of the media – which is another story.

From: David Craggs, Shafton Gate, Rotherham.

ONCE again, as a complete lockdown looms, panic, or should I say selfish, buying has already started.

It should come as no surprise, especially to the supermarket managers.

Panic buying can only be controlled by placing a limit on the number of a particular item that can be purchased at any one time – for example a pack of nine toilet rolls is ample for a week’s shop, not a trolleyload full.

If there is no control, the items simply go off the shelves and stay unavailable, unless restocking can quickly be carried out by the supermarket, which is not always the case, as we saw last time.

And it is no good relying on people’s consideration for others. This doesn’t even come into the equation.

Like it or not, selfishness is part of the make-up of most of us.

From: PL Taylor, Milner Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield.

IT would seem security and safety is contracted out to non-government companies.

Surely the safety of UK citizens must be a prime responsibility of the party in power?

The more I learn of this Conservative government, the less confidence I have in them. To contract out essential services such as security is totally wrong.

I am afraid, Boris Johnson, your abilities as a leader are being severely eroded and your political leadership and future is looking extremely bleak.

From: Barry Foster, High Stakesby, Whitby.

NOT A fan of Nicola Sturgeon but her communication about Covid has been excellent. Straight to the point and no waffle.

I am sorry Boris Johnson has not been able to do the same.

Come on, Boris. Get that leadership quality back we all voted and hoped for.

From: David Algar, Mawcroft Close, Nether Yeadon, Leeds.

I NOTE with interest a national bus company displays the following notice on certain seats: “Please practice social distancing”.

Surely, when using a verb, it should be spelt practise?

From: Lesley Skorupka, Rookery Dale, Boosbeck.

HOW good to know I can’t catch Covid before 10pm so I can go to a pub until it closes.

Does this Government really know what to do to protect us?

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James Mitchinson