Let everyday be a Sabbath

+I suggested in my blog on the 15th March—in a letter not published by the Guardian—that we might consider the formation of a coalition government during this crisis. Yesterday the paper ran a story reporting that some Tory MPs thought this might be worth pursuing. It seems one or two of them are worried that if things go entirely pear-shaped under Johnson, the Tories will get all the blame. Such calculations will no doubt cross the government’s mind as it struggles to convince people they know what they’re doing. With Parliament no longer sitting, some means has to be found to ensure the government is held to account. So Corbyn for Deputy Prime Minister now! It would only be for a week though—Labour’s leadership election result is to be announced on April 4th, when it is assumed Keir Starmer will take over. So there won’t be any move in the direction of a coalition until then. But what if Starmer does enter government? One possible consequence could be the end of the absurdity of racing towards a no-deal Brexit at the end of the year.
 
+Prince Albert, the ruler of tax haven Monaco has tested positive for Coronavirus. I’m sure it won’t be life threatening, he’ll get the best care money can buy if he needs it. And Monaco may be the one place in the world where the old saying does not wholly apply, viz, that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. So get better soon Albie!  And whilst we’re at it best wishes too to Prince Charles who has also been tested positive. N.B. If you were recently conferred an honour by Chas, it’s probably too late to return it.
 
+The regional map of Coronavirus cases in the UK shows there is now only one area without a case—the Western Isles. Hebridean residents won’t have too much difficulty turning back the hordes of motorhome virus refugees. It was only this century that they agreed ferries could go there on the Sabbath, and that was after a right old battle.
 
+Awarding a contract to Dysons to make 10,000 ventilators does come with a risk. Namely that their no doubt soon-to-be-unveiled innovative design will come with a typical Dyson price tag. And hopefully the Dyson ventilator will not behave like their hand dryers which make the same racket as a 747 taking off.