Politics
Let’s raise a glass to Prince Philip while remembering the rules that got us here
WE suspect that today will see more glasses raised to toast Prince Philip than any member of the Royal Family has received in history.
And if that’s less to do with a sudden surge in ardent royalists, and more because his passing has coincided with the whole of England being allowed to go to the pub for the first time in three long months, it’s a rather fitting tribute nonetheless.
Raising a glass to the Duke of Edinburgh seems like the best way to pay our respects today[/caption]
After all, the Duke of Edinburgh was himself partial to a good ale, preferring his favourite Double Diamond to even the finest wines the world had to offer.
And with Covid precautions restricting Philip’s funeral this weekend to a scaled-down affair, with no crowds, a tipple (or soft drink) in his honour at your local for those who can seems to us like the next best way to pay respect.
Today, of course, is about more than just pubs.
There’s a whole range of other activities we’ll be able to experience almost as if for the first time, whether that’s going to the hairdresser, the library, the gym or non-essential shops.
The positive effects for our economy are crucial but those for our physical and mental health are incalculable.
Even zoo animals, many of which displayed signs of boredom in lockdown, will today feel the benefit of getting to gawp at people once again.
Let’s also spare a thought for those facing a tough return to work[/caption]
Two thirds of shopworkers polled said they fear abuse from customers for implementing Covid regulations[/caption]
It is easy to sympathise, given that the experiences of the animals and their human visitors since lockdown began have not been too far removed.
Meanwhile spare a thought for those landlords and landladies who can’t open just yet, such as those with pubs without outdoor areas or those in Wales who must wait another fortnight.
A LITTLE EXTRA CONSIDERATION
Think, too, of those facing a tough return to work, and we don’t just mean the barber tasked with chopping Boris Johnson’s unruly mane this morning.
Two thirds of shopworkers polled said they fear abuse from customers when they reopen, just for implementing Covid regulations. We must each do our bit to prove those fears groundless.
The rules might be inconvenient but they are key to preventing the virus gaining a foothold again.
It’s also important to bear in mind many of those out today may still be a bit nervous. A little extra patience and consideration, even amid the excitement, is hardly too much to ask.
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No one wants yet another lockdown so we must all heed the PM’s call to “behave responsibly”.
The latest Covid figures are extraordinary — yesterday marked the lowest deaths and cases tally since early September, while Saturday saw the most second jabs given in a day so far.
Let’s keep our eye on the road, so we can leave our foot on the accelerator.
