New figures show the Omicron variant is spreading with alarming speed.
More than 78,000 new cases of Covid were reported in the last 24 hours, the highest daily number recorded this year.
The Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warns the numbers will inevitably get worse and fears the NHS might not cope.
He also broke ranks with ministers by advising people not to mix socially this Christmas if they don’t have to.
Despite the ominous situation Boris Johnson made clear he was reluctant to impose further restrictions. Is he playing politics and trying to avoid a backlash from his own MPs?
If there are sound medical arguments for extra measures he should introduce them.
At the very least the Government should be looking to increase sick pay and provide more support for the hospitality industry which is struggling as customers stay clear.
True leadership is putting the interests of the country ahead of those of your own party – but when has this ever swayed Mr Johnson?
VAT’s the way
The cost of living crisis deepened today as inflation leapt to an eye-watering 5.1%.
This will leave many suffering a real-terms pay cut and will leave pensioners worse off.
Rishi Sunak could have used the Budget to help families through this tough time. Instead he is about to squeeze household finances further by raising taxes in the New Year.
The least he could do is adopt Labour ’s proposal of an immediate cut in VAT.
Unlike the Government, the Opposition understands that rising fuel, food and petrol prices are hurting people’s pockets.
Festive tonic
Choirmaster Gareth Malone has hit just the right not e with his Christmas singalong in Blackburn.
Singing brings people together and lifts the spirits. Which is why we should make a song and dance about it.