we aren’t in lockdown -so why are there anti lockdown protests?

Ah but we are British Dinahmo

We don't have to follow what these pesky Europeans do - we are free people!!!

Just the other day Jacob Rees Mogg told the Labour Health spokesman that Tory MP's (nearly all of whom, unlike virtually all opposition MPs do not wear masks in the HOuse of Commons) don't need to wear masks because they all know each other.

He seems to think that you can't catch covid from someone you know!

It beggars belief that idiots like him could ever have been elected to Parliament.

There's still an argument going on in England as to whether masks protect the wearer from catching covid, or from spreading it or whether they provide any protection at all.

I live in France and here we still have to wear masks in indoor public spaces. There are notices up at the entrance to shops, doctors, vets etc etc and if you don't wear one you will be told to do so. I hate wearing them because I'm asthmatic and for some reason they make my nose run and I quickly get short of breath. I only put mine on in the car park before going into a supermarket etc.

We do, however, see many people still wearing them in the street. We recently went for a meal and had to wear a mask to the table. My DH went to the loo and was told off for not wearing his mask for the visit. Waiting staff are wearing masks throughout the time when the restaurant is open.

We have been to a few concerts recently and have to show our covid passports - without them we won't be let in and on the online booking we are told that the passports are essential.

I see nothing wrong with this because we know that it is unlikely that we will be exposed to covid since everyone else will also have been double jabbed.

I would go as far as asking why don't people wear masks when in public if they have a cold? Most of us can remember the mantra coughs and colds spread disease?

We are getting our flu jab next week and can book our covid booster to take place in November - happy with that.

At least many other countries actually look as if they’re doing something to control the virus….

There is little doubt now, proven by figures, that the UK response to this Pandemic has been one of the worst in the world. Definitely the worst in Europe.

Far be it from me to defend anything the Westminster government does, but…

25 countries in the world have higher rates of deaths per million than the UK. 15 European countries have higher rates, including Italy and Belgium. Latvia has just gone back into complete lockdown and unvaccinated over-sixties in Russia have been told to stay at home until February.

Its about time that the government brought in stricter restrictions for England, and without doubt the government response has been woeful, but exaggerating how bad things are doesn’t help!

Please, please, please, stop conflating the UK with England.

Baggs do agree with your post.
To me Lockdowns are the proverbial hammer and nut situations. Just show that the Governmen is doing 'something' when they, in fact, doing nothing.

There is little doubt now, proven by figures, that the UK response to this Pandemic has been one of the worst in the world. Definitely the worst in Europe.

Even the vaccine roll-out which commenced that little earlier than many other countries has now falled behind many of them.

Many people in European countries have commented that here in UK so many people are just seemingly, carrying on as if the pandemic does not exist. No masks, being worn. I think this is because the British people now just accept that this current government just spouts, word bites, lies, flashhoods, and more lies. So, nobody, even their supporters, really believe anything they say any more.

The NHS is being killed off, privae medicine is being encouraged, and in the very near future will leave us with just a 'charity' third class NHS.

Education is going along similar route. Strange that those countries who have the best educational results for all their young people, are those countries who have very few or no fee paying schools.

So, in this totally unhealthy (not meaning Covid or Flu) atmosphere it is hardly surprising that so many people start to see 'conspiracy' everywhere'!!!

I must say, that whereas I would normally support the rights of anyone to protest to make their point - I do find that the anti-vaxxers are very much over-stepping the mark when they approach young children (12-15), actually saying 'You will die if you have this vaccine'.

I am fortunate, that I have received my booster jab and my flu jab. All my teenage g.children are double jabbed for Covid, MY EVC Son in law has had his booster and flu jab.

Baggs

I suppose I'm anti-lockdown in a way. Not that I was at the beginning of the pandemic but I certainly don't think governments locking people down is a good idea now because of the damage they have effectively enforced on other health issues, working lives, businesses, schools and all the people negatively affected by them. (I wasn't badly affected, btw).

I don't think people's genuine concerns about government inroads into people's hard won freedom (it took centuries) makes them fruitcakes. Bad behaviour towards others is a different issue though and, I admit, connected in some individuals, but I don't believe that is most people who are concerned about government over-legislation.

I'm not anti-vax and am completely up to date with everything that's going, including covid booster vaccine and flu jab so I don't think automatically lumping lockdown worriers with anti-vaxxers is helpful or even rational in general terms.

Good post.????

JaneJudge

I think some people are struggling, like galaxy says. I also think no MPs should be harassed either though.

On another point though, where are the vaccines? Apparently the rest of Europe is racing ahead of us. my youngest was due to have his at school beginning of term but the school don't think they'll get them before Christmas. Apart from my Mum, I don't know anyone who has been offered a booster.

We have had the booster and also the flu jab.
Teenage DGS has had both Covid vaccinations.It’s all to do with which health authority you come under.

They said yesterday that if you hadn’t heard about your booster a week after you’re eligible to make enquiries. Well, I’ll be making enquiries the next day!

Atqui

I don’t understand why we are being told booster take up is poor. EveryonevI know is champing at the bit to get theirs

quite
no one is being offered them here!

I rather like Anna Soubry. She cared about people and tried to do the right thing. Unfortunately people are very short sighted

I don’t understand why we are being told booster take up is poor. EveryonevI know is champing at the bit to get theirs

I can’t remember if she left or if she was pushed. She couldn’t stand Johnson anyway and wouldn’t have stayed in the party with him as leader.

Maudi

The Anna Soubry who looked down on white van man and was a Labour MP who supposedly are the working man's party. No wonder the working man has deserted them.

... I think you're confusing her with Emily Thornberry.

Anna Soubry is a Conservative, although I think she's now left the party.

I think the Swedish success story is an ‘international’ ‘urban myth’ that never seems to go away and just rears it’s ugly head from time to time!

GrannyGravy13

Baggs

Is anyone else looking at where Sweden's approach to the pandemic lies in the graphs? What I've seen puts them pretty far down the tables (or high up successfuly if you want to count the other way). Just saying.

Norway and Denmark have also dropped all their Covid regulations I believe and they are doing ok at the moment.

Cases per 1 million

UK ..........125,673
Sweden ...114,368
Denmark 63,809
Norway ...36,185

Deaths per million
UK ........ ....2,034
Sweden .....1,468
Denmark ....463
Norway ........163

Data from Worldometers

I'd feel a great deal safer in Denmark or Norway without restriction than I do here in the UK.

I don't think Sweden looks particularly admirable

Good post at 10:15 Baggs.

Baggs

Is anyone else looking at where Sweden's approach to the pandemic lies in the graphs? What I've seen puts them pretty far down the tables (or high up successfuly if you want to count the other way). Just saying.

Norway and Denmark have also dropped all their Covid regulations I believe and they are doing ok at the moment.

Is anyone else looking at where Sweden's approach to the pandemic lies in the graphs? What I've seen puts them pretty far down the tables (or high up successfuly if you want to count the other way). Just saying.

I suppose I'm anti-lockdown in a way. Not that I was at the beginning of the pandemic but I certainly don't think governments locking people down is a good idea now because of the damage they have effectively enforced on other health issues, working lives, businesses, schools and all the people negatively affected by them. (I wasn't badly affected, btw).

I don't think people's genuine concerns about government inroads into people's hard won freedom (it took centuries) makes them fruitcakes. Bad behaviour towards others is a different issue though and, I admit, connected in some individuals, but I don't believe that is most people who are concerned about government over-legislation.

I'm not anti-vax and am completely up to date with everything that's going, including covid booster vaccine and flu jab so I don't think automatically lumping lockdown worriers with anti-vaxxers is helpful or even rational in general terms.

glammanana:

'There is just no justifying stupid in my opinion'

agreed - and today, the BMJ call the government 'willfully negligent' - even worse. Well - at least they're consistent, I suppose. Exactly how stupid are our government?

Oh that's interesting Mazie. I wasnt aware of that.

having very little interest in politics except a strong commitment to the environment and animal welfare.

That appears to be a common trait among anti vax and anti lockdown believers, Galaxy. There was an interesting article about their connection with the 'Wellness',movement, too, in the Guardian at the weekend. I'll see if I can find it.

No I know Jane I suppose I feel a bit guilty even talking about it anonymously.
I think it must vary by area with regard to the boosters I know quite a few people who have had the booster. I am in my fifties and have just been offered mine due to my work.

It's alright galaxy, I didn't think she would It's just the bloke who fixes my car ranted at me about how it was a Chinese conspiracy and how I have been microchipped but he is well known to have MH issues so I just listened to him and left