Of course we want the economy back on track – but not at the expense of everything else

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Boris Johnson has some thinking to do over lockdown (EPA-EFE)

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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