Letter to the editor: 'British people cannot all be trusted'

“Give them an inch, and they will take a mile.”

What an apt phrase to describe the response of some members of the public to the relaxation of the lockdown and the social distancing guidelines.

If the scenes on Bournemouth and Christchurch beaches were anything to go by, one could be forgiven for thinking that we are not actually still in the midst of lethal pandemic.

Let’s not forget to mention the illegal street party that took place in Brixton, which resulted in 22 police officers being injured, and two requiring hospital treatment after they were assaulted in the process of carrying out their lawful duty to disperse the crowds.

The icing on the cake being the celebrations outside Anfield, when thousands gathered as Liverpool were confirmed as Premier League champions.

The Government have admitted that they are taking a big risk in opening up the hospitality sector, but trust the British public to do the right thing and act responsibly.

Based on how some elements of the British public have behaved so far, even before the further relaxation of the lockdown, and the opening up of the hospitality sector, it is clear that that trust has been misplaced.

I think it is now only a question of when, and not if, the UK will see another huge surge in coronavirus cases,which could lead to another complete lockdown of the economy and the catastrophic consequences for the country, families, and businesses alike.

According to some members of the Independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, we were a month later going into lockdown than we should have done, and we are trying to come out of it a month earlier than we should be doing so.

It’s not too late for Boris to do the right thing and reinstate certain elements of the lockdown.

But then again, and judging by recent events, it is clear that some people have no respect for the rule of law, and will just ignore any future lockdown restrictions and carry on regardless!

Ivan Humphrey

By email