Britain is not a nation at war. No, it isn't. No, shut up, it isn't.

Britain is, like the rest of the world, coping with a pandemic. We can't enter peace talks, or break its supply lines, or do a flanking manoeuvre to capture key positions.

This wartime rhetoric is bull.
1/ https://twitter.com/DPJHodges/status/1249233564278894593

And it's also harmful. It allows those in charge demand we stop criticism.

But criticism is vital, if the gov simply learns to accept it.

The virus isn't going to use it against us. Criticism leads to improvements. The worst possible thing right now is a bunker attitude.
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If the gov is fighting a PR campaign, they aren't focusing on saving lives. And that's what's needed.

It's not the responsibility of 68m of us to cheer the gov and shrug off mistakes. And it's not the responsibility of gov to deny reality and ignore our concerns
3/.

Truth is the first casualty of war. But truth is essential for science to work.

Gov has to be honest, and accept criticism, not battle it.

And opposition has to welcome that acceptance and build on it, not follow the instinct to twist the knife.
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But no more of this "wartime" nonsense. The strategies and deceptions that help in a conflict hurt now. Right now, we need honesty, uncomplaining acceptance of constructive criticism, and removal of people not up to the task.

Not war. Not politics. Science and good admin.
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