After every emergency, disaster comes the reckoning, the inquest, the debriefing - the ‘wash up’.
And it is important. It is from success and failure that lessons are learned, that the same mistakes are not made.
We know from experience, however, that they can drag out over years and that too often their recommendations are ignored.
The pandemic has presented opportunities that can make the world happier, safer and more equitable.
There is so much than can be done if nations accept the challenge.
Life in post coronavirus Britain can be improved and revitalised in many ways, creating a better standard of life for everyone.
Just look at the opportunities for better health, transport and travel, education, housing, the environment.
On health, improving the NHS and social services is a must. Despite the country’s huge debt they must have the funding and resources to match that of some European countries. A healthy nation makes for a contented, vigorous nation.
Our education system, bedevilled for years by chopping and changing curriculum, confusing to teachers, parents and children, must be rationalised, made simpler and more effective. Here too we can learn from Europe.
Transport in many forms is a key to improving lives. Despite the billions being spent upgrading our roads system, driving is a bore not a pleasure.
Rather than pursuing outlandish projects like the latest idea of a tunnel or bridge across the Irish Sea, money should be better spent on upgrading existing roads with.
Air travel can be improved by spreading the load more evenly across the the country by government support for the regional airports that have been left to fend for themselves for years. Forget the Heathrow extension.
This would make flights nationally and internationally more convenient, and cost effective and better for pleasure and business.
Britain’s railway system, ravaged by Beeching in the early sixties, needs a make-over.
Lost links between towns and country areas should be restored.
The. vastly expensive HS2 project will be money well spent if it improves the country’s mobility and profitability, as will an extension of electrification.
Environmental issues are, rightly, international, and Britain is beginning to take a more active role. Nothing is more important. It is not just a question of ‘saving the planet’ but making the world safer and healthier, using its resources better; more efficient use of the land and farming and reducing pollution.
The cry is for levelling up, reducing the imbalance between affluence and poverty reflected so starkly in parts of the UK, specially south England and the north.
It will probably take decades but future governments must see it through.
The past year has, despite the intrigues and animosity between nations, emphasised the importance of a unified approach, especially in health matters. Vaccination will be a common factor for years and collaboration, not competition is vital.
Brexit, a once in a generation change, has to be made a success if Britain is to prosper both at home and internationally.
So much to learn So much to do, but the disaster of coronavirus can lead to a rejuvenated, revitalised Britain.
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