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| So long ago.... Photo: BBC |
Times of national disaster and crises need strong government, just what our government led by Boris Johnson seems to be lacking. The Prime Minister, with a more than comfortable majority after his unexpected election triumph almost four months ago, is finding life at Number 10 Downing Street anything but comfortable. Over the past few weeks, as the pandemic has gripped the world, he and his government seem to have been overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster and the problems heaped upon them. From the start they were accused of reacting too slowly to the dangers made obvious by the experience of other countries, since when they have faced of daily barrage of criticism of their decisions, and the way they have been relayed to the public. A cabinet lacking in experience or stature is reported to be in disarray, at odds with each other and their civil service heads. All made worse by the prime minister's illness - it was announced today that he is in hospital 'undergoing tests'. His condition is being played down in the official press release, trying to reassure us that he and his cabinet can still function effectively.
Over a sunny weekend, there was the expected but forbidden exodus to the parks, country and seaside. Even taking a rest on a park bench is almost a criminal act - another example of the government's ham-fisted approach to defining rules and laws. The Queen's rare, historic speech to the nation was memorable for its directness and aptness. It must surely already be her annus horribilis.
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