Many people are in need thanks to Covid-19 – we should be supporting as many as we can, especially children

Politicians and their advisers seem woefully lacking in empathy at a very important time, writes Janet Street-Porter

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has shown more compassion than many of our leaders (AFP/Getty)

The coronavirus pandemic has turned me into a nicer person. A year ago, I didn’t say hello to total strangers when shopping or walking – preferring to keep myself to myself. You might think that was a bit weird, but I’ve never been keen on small talk.

But living through Covid-19 has changed that. The new skill I’ve learnt since lockdown is to offer a few words when buying a newspaper, paying for petrol and picking up food for supper, all spoken from behind a clammy paper mask. I’m conscious I could be meeting someone who has spent 24 hours all alone, with only the radio or telly for company.

Prince William drew attention this week to the huge increase in mental illness resulting from the current restrictions, agreeing that we could be heading for a “catastrophe” if people are not allowed to socialise. There’s been a number of suicides among students, and a new study estimates one in six children are suffering from mental issues.