Britain shutdown
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.Tomorrow is, in theory, the first normal day of 2003. In practice, for many of us who will not return to work until Monday, it is yet another day of holiday. Even for those who will return to work as normal tomorrow, there is surely something excessive in the way the entire country goes to sleep for the entire period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
Tomorrow is, in theory, the first normal day of 2003. In practice, for many of us who will not return to work until Monday, it is yet another day of holiday. Even for those who will return to work as normal tomorrow, there is surely something excessive in the way the entire country goes to sleep for the entire period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
For those who choose to take the time as holiday, fine. But not everyone does – some would far prefer to take their holiday at another time, but have little or no choice in the face of this mass closure. Others are simply taking advantage of the days allowed to build a bridge that spans a fortnight.
Something is richly ironic in this national close-down coming at a time when, thanks to new licensing laws, pubs will have been able to stay open for 36 hours on the trot. Get a grip, Britain, get a grip.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments