The prime minister tells us he hopes there will be no need for a lockdown, then belatedly bows to the data and announces another round of restrictions.
Will the same cycle play out during a fourth wave this winter? The astute political commentator Gary Neville is in little doubt about what happens next.
After the prime minister claimed there was “nothing to indicate” a winter lockdown would be necessary, the Sky Sports pundit tweeted: “The clearest indication yet a lockdown is on its way.”
Rishi Sunak does not believe lockdown rule-writing is on the wall. The chancellor remains firmly opposed to bringing back curbs on our movements, making clear in an interview with The Times he sees no need for shops, pubs and restaurants to shut again.
Sunak said there will be no need to a return to “significant economic restrictions” – despite warnings from NHS leaders and top scientists that the renewed rise of the virus could overwhelm the health service this winter.
This story is from the October 24, 2021 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 24, 2021 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heathrow used by 200,000 passengers a day in 2024
Record numbers since start of the year as May strikes loom
Toffees end Liverpool title hopes with rare derby win
So now Jurgen Klopp has another reason why he will not to miss the Merseyside derby.
Another United comeback despite defensive mishaps
Bruno Fernandes produced a captain’s performance to save Manchester United’s blushes against rock-bottom Sheffield United, scoring twice and providing another in a 4-2 comeback win for Erik ten Hag’s misfiring side.
Can Poch steer Blues out of crisis of their own making?
As a former Arsenal player, Mikel Arteta could sympathise with Mauricio Pochettino as they shared the touchline at the Emirates.
Who could really be triggered by cosy old 'Terry and Fune'?
There’s nothing worse than going back to one of your favourite shows from days gone by – a nostalgic little comfort of a simpler time in your life, perhaps a sitcom you used to watch with your parents as a kid – only to realise that it’s aged about as badly as you have.
Amsterdam restricts hotels and cruises to curb tourism
The city of Amsterdam is escalating its campaign against overtourism on top of existing efforts to discourage problematic Brits abroad and crack down on tourist etiquette.
US just the latest to restrict TikTok due to security fears
TikTok is facing the prospect of being banned or unavailable for nearly half the world's population after the US moved to outlaw the app.
Gaza aid plan a cover for Rafah invasion, says UN
Giant dock floated by US could be used by Israeli army
Young girls drinking and smoking more than boys
Girls in the UK are drinking, smoking and vaping more than boys, while England is \"top of the charts\" globally for child alcohol use, a major report has found.
Ancient acts of destruction reveal lost secrets of Maya
A remarkable archaeological discovery is shedding light on one of history's biggest enigmas - the collapse of central America's ancient Maya civilisation.