The Covid crisis and our actions put UK’s future in danger

Drivers receive a novel coronavirus test at a drive-in Covid-19 testing facility set up at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in Chessington, southwest of London, on October 20, 2020.

Photo credit: Adrian Dennis | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Companies are going down like ninepins, jobs are threatened and a serious economic depression seems inevitable sooner rather than later.
  • Wales has barred English inhabitants of high-risk areas from crossing its borders, and the Scots have enjoyed a taste of self-rule which could easily broaden into demands for full independence.

When I was in lodgings long ago, my landlady used to sigh and say, “Aye, the state’s in a funny country.” A joke, of course, meaning, “The country’s in a funny state.”

I’ve thought about that a few times recently, except “funny” is not the word I would use for the current state of the country. “Parlous,” “fearful” or “disastrous” might all be better descriptions.

Considered decisions, such as leaving Europe, and involuntary happenings, like the Covid crisis, have plunged the United Kingdom into deep uncertainty; the pillars of our constitutional edifice are shaking and the survival of the Union itself could be in danger.

A quick look at where things have gone wrong: We opted out of the European Union but we have failed to agree what happens next or with whom we may partner. The government tarnished our international reputation by proclaiming it would break the Brexit agreement signed only months ago. It alienated the civil service by challenging its independence and exerting financial pressures on the BBC.

Travel restrictions

Meanwhile, individual leaders, including the Cabinet’s leading adviser, the shadowy Dominic Cummings, angered ordinary people by breaking their own rules on travel restrictions.

Paramount is the economy. Deaths apart, Covid has plunged more than half the population into lockdown. Companies are going down like ninepins, jobs are threatened and a serious economic depression seems inevitable sooner rather than later.

A side issue of the virus has been its effect on the United Kingdom constitutionally, with the four countries of the Union — England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, all tackling problems in their own way. Wales has barred English inhabitants of high-risk areas from crossing its borders, and the Scots have enjoyed a taste of self-rule which could easily broaden into demands for full independence.

An opinion poll in August showed a majority of Scots in favour of independence. The Scottish National Party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has made clear she will push for a referendum on the issue. The result could lead eventually to Scotland going it alone.

Internationally, the picture is as dark as it has ever been. On the eve of a presidential election, the United States appears chronically divided and frighteningly unstable; Western governments look fearfully at China for signs of its political ambitions, while Russia meddles boldly in other countries computer systems. Many countries, meanwhile, fear a growing threat from the militant right.

No, “funny” is not the word for the way things are.

* * *

It’s hard to imagine just how tiny were the twins Amelia and Matthew Quinn, when they were born at 28 weeks.

Weighing just a pound apiece, together equivalent to a bag of sugar, their dad said, “Their arms were so skinny they were the size of my fingers.”

Worse, each twin had a hole in the heart. Recalling those early days, Matthew Senior said, “They went through so much, just to survive. There were a lot of times when they stopped breathing and crashed. But when they did, they fought back like little miracles.”

 “Fought” is the key word. Now aged 10, the twins’ fighting spirit has made them champions at the sport of karate, loaded with cups and trophies and each the possessor of a prized black belt.

Their mum and dad decided to introduce the twins to the martial art at age five because they were still quite weak, despite years of excellent medical care. The result was that they went from strength to strength.

Out of 30 fights with boys, Amelia has won 24, and Matthew has been crowned the Northern region’s champion for his age.

Amelia said, “I have been in more fights with boys than girls and all the boys were bigger than me but I still beat them.” Her brother said, “I am really fit and can do loads of stuff and defend myself.”

* * *

Joe sees Mary sitting on a bench eating apple seeds. “Why are you eating apple seeds?” he asks. “Because they make you clever,” replies Mary. ”Can I buy a couple?” “Yes, they are two dollars each.”

So Joe buys five seeds and starts to eat them. Then suddenly, he stops: “Wait a minute, this is a scam! For 10 dollars I could have bought half a dozen apples with a whole lot of seeds,” Said Mary, “See, they are beginning to work already.”

* * *

A student asks a senior accountant who works in a partnership to explain ethics in accountancy. The accountant replies, “Mr Jones, one of our clients, came to see me last week and paid me his bill of £1,000 in cash. After he left, I counted the cash and it came to £1,100.”

 “I see,” said the student, “The ethical question is, Do I tell the client?” “No,” said the account, “the question is, Do I tell my partner?”