Corona Daily 268: Good News from the UK, Finally

Yesterday, UK became the first European country to pass 50,000 official coronavirus deaths. At least 600 Brits are dying daily of covid.

“The milestone was a terrible indictment of poor preparation, poor organization by the government, insufficient infection control measures, coupled with late and often confusing messages for the public.” Said the chairman of the British medical association.

This week is the first of a new 4-week national lockdown. Over the next two months, the pandemic is expected to get worse.

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While hospitals get overwhelmed and people work from home, Brexit will happen. From 1 January, UK will be a proud, independent, sovereign nation.

Northern Ireland continues to be a stumbling block. UK wants it to be in the UK and EU at the same time, which is logically impossible after Brexit. Johnson will therefore break a treaty that he signed a year ago. He was hoping for a Trump win, which would make his illegal actions legal. There is a real risk of an EU deal not happening, a hard border inside Ireland, restart of the Troubles, and finally Northern Ireland leaving the UK. Even with a deal, January will be chaotic where the post-Brexit lorry queue is projected to make Kent the Toilet of England.

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This week, not deterred by COVID-19 or Brexit, the kingdom announced some inspiring, delightful news.

In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will complete 70 years of her reign as the British monarch. An extra bank holiday, and a four-day weekend have been announced to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. This blockbuster, once-in-a-generation show will happen from 2 June- 5 June 2022.

Oliver Dowden, the cultural secretary, said, “Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee will be a truly historic moment, and one that deserves a celebration to remember. We will put on a spectacular show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendor with cutting edge art and technology. It will bring the entire nation and the commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.” England will host the Commonwealth games in Birmingham and the festival of Brexit to showcase the best of Britain.

The Queen hopes that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to join the celebrations.

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In a 1947 broadcast the Queen had said,” I declare that my whole life, whether long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” Now we know her life has been long rather than short.

In the 1960s, an Operation London Bridge plan was created. The plan detailed the actions in the event of the Queen’s death. The monarch’s death is a more catastrophic event for Britain than Covid or Brexit.  “London Bridge is down” was the agreed phrase to communicate her death to the Prime minister. That plan has been scrupulously updated every year, for more than fifty years. Many of the planners are no longer around.

The joyous opportunities for the British people (with the exception of Prince Charles) are unending. In 2024, at the age of 98, the Queen will become the longest ruling monarch ever (beating France’s Louis XIV). In 2026, the Queen turns 100. In 2027, she will celebrate the Palladium Jubilee of her rule.

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A committee comprising MPs and Lords has been formed to decide gifts for the queen. In the meetings held this week, the committee acknowledged it was not an easy job.

On 19 March, the Queen left London, and has been living in Windsor Castle in Berkshire. Her absence for eight months was making the Brits uncomfortable, giving them a strange feeling of belonging to a republic.

The Platinum Jubilee announcement and an extra bank holiday in 2022 finally bring cheer to Britain and the whole world.

Ravi