Boris Johnson’s broad brush approach to Covid tier restrictions is troubling for big cities

As we await the latest tiered restrictions on our activities, “the broad brush” designation of areas is troubling. 

The identification of a town or village population is still broadly acceptable, but for large cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester the areas are now so large that the idea of a single identifiable community is erroneous.  

Many people in these areas are quite distant from the designated city centre and rarely visit other boroughs as is clearly borne out by the variation in infection data. 

Most of us have made considerable sacrifices in our normal lives over the last 10 months and are prepared to continue to support the fight against Covid-19 but our sensitivities to unfair treatment are nearer to the surface now.

There was a strong identification with a city during the 19th and early 20th century, but for future decision-making in many fields the question of whether these cities are definable communities or merely symbolic designations should be addressed.  

Unfortunately, in the present circumstances, I fear that our government will apply the usual lazy, unfocussed approach that characterises so much of their decision-making.

John Dillon

Northfield, Birmingham

So 70 Tory MPs are calling for a full cost benefit analysis on the proposed tougher rules in the pre-Christmas period. It’s notable that among them are the strongest proponents of Brexit who successfully fought against an official cost benefit analysis for leaving the EU, which would have made clear the kamikaze lunacy that they have brought upon us.  

Tim Sidaway  

Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire 

Boris Johnson’s swaggering pose as a decisive prime minister is causing ribaldry amongst our European and American competitors. Further, it gives Scotland a good reason not to want to be part of the United Kingdom.  

He shames us and the parliament he purports to lead. Could not the Queen advise him to at least to try to behave like a statesman.

As a former Conservative voter, I cannot support a government led by such a bigheaded idiot.  

Betty Davies

Nottingham

With regard to this Christmas, is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Or is it better to have waited six months and shown your love for evermore?

Dr Gordon Brooks

Gosport, Hampshire

I have been discussing (over the telephone) with my peers as to whether, being over 80, we would accept the vaccine if it is offered. Yes of course we would, but my gut feeling is that after the NHS staff and the very vulnerable have been treated, the jab should go to the 17- to 30-year-olds. They are the ones who are unable to control their social lives, whereas we older ones can.

Gillian Cook

Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Jeremy Corbyn is being very like Trump, an ex-leader who refuses to accept, or probably in his own mind does not believe, that he is no longer in a position of influence. They both should stand down gracefully and allow the next generation of leaders, even if they are older in years, to take over and not try to interfere.

Rob Alliott

Cambridge