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Not now Yes please
Voices Letters Of course we want the economy back on track – but not at the expense of everything else Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk
Monday 15 February 2021 18:54 GMT
Boris Johnson has some thinking to do over lockdown (EPA-EFE) Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more I agree with your editorial (Britain must be cautious about ending lockdown ) and I agree too that Boris Johnson does receive his succour from the right wing of his party, namely the Covid Recovery Group who have appeared to call the shots in the past.
How dare the likes of Mark Harper, Steve Baker et al get on their high horses and dictate to the prime minister that he should accede to their wishes in short order. Of course we want the economy back on track again, but not at the expense of giving this virus, yet more carte blanche.
As rightly stated, the moderates in the party have been banished and we are left with these MPs who think they made Johnson and can now bring him down. Please prime minister, show your inner steel which has been forged in the catalogue of errors in dealing with this ghastly pandemic.
You have the public onside with the very successful vaccine rollout. You, the Cabinet and the scientists call the shots not, meddlesome backbenchers.
Judith A Daniels
Great Yarmouth
Britain must, indeed, be cautious about ending lockdown, as your editorial says.
Ironies don’t come much richer than Steve Baker, an arch Brexiteer and now a leading light in the Tory backbenchers’ absurdly named Covid Recovery Group, claiming on the BBC’s Today programme this morning to be concerned about the UK’s economy and demanding an “evidence-led” plan for the ending of lockdown, while simultaneously setting wholly arbitrary dates for the lifting of restrictions.
D Maughan Brown
York
Vaccine wait Just to put the record straight, my wife, who is 72, has not yet been offered a vaccination slot. The online and phone booking options, offer only venues that are 40 miles away or so. She is registered with the local GP practice and a few weeks ago, received a letter explaining the local procedure. As suggested, she sent a text immediately to the number given, confirming her name and date of birth. She has heard nothing since.
Paul Warren
Brampton
Statue debate As Covid-related fatalities continue to rise, a debate on the merits of a memorial to mark all those lost to the disease needs to occur.
Although perhaps premature at this point, such public discussion is necessary to ensure an opportunity to commemorate these days for time immemorial is not lost.
Paul O’Sullivan
Bristol
Waste of time The second impeachment of Donald Trump should have been left unpicked on the tree to rot. The result of a trial always going to be not guilty.
During the short debate some of the true motives of Trump were exposed but the details won’t be remembered. Who remembers much about the first Trump impeachment other than the not guilty verdict?
The numbers were never there for a second go at conviction with Republicans arguing over the Constitution legalities while being worried more about their personal re-election prospects.
Americans will remember the storming of the Capitol on 6 January but Republicans will now be able to defend Trump’s involvement with a not guilty verdict.
I hope Trump's true place in history as a danger to all will be secured elsewhere with no doubts.
Dave Thomas
Bristol
Baby names I was pleased to hear that Meghan and Harry are expecting a brother or sister for Archie. As an Archie Andrews radio show fan, could I suggest that if it’s a boy they call him Brough and if it’s a girl they call her Beryl.
Paul Graham
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