LIKE everyone else I welcome the fact that most Covid restrictions will be lifted in England from January 27th.

But, call me an old cynic if you will, I can’t help thinking that the almost unseemly haste with which the decision to do so has been made, has a great deal more to do with saving the PM’s bacon from the consequences of ‘Partygate’ than public health considerations.

Most of us were hoping that restrictions would be lifted in the spring.

The sudden decision to do so in the middle of winter was certainly not on the cards until all hell erupted over the seemingly endless string of revelations that people in high places had shown reckless disregard for the social-distancing rules that they themselves were responsible for putting in place.

Smoke and mirrors people, smoke and mirrors.

ROBERT READMAN

Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth