EU's vaccine tantrum & hotel quarantine - The Week in 60 Minutes with Andrew Neil | SpectatorTV

[@joybailey6186]

Please, please, please have a programme on GB News hosted by Andrew Neil with Michael Portillo and Alan Johnson. I miss This Week so much.

[@gregoxenham2842]

Andrew this was a fascinating and completely engaging show this week. Each and every guest was impossible to ignore. I learnt a lot which is exactly what my active mind craves. I’m going to share it far and wide.

[@philipa.d.secretan5781]

I absolutely support you on that comment. I learnt so much more that the average telly event.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Yes

[@importantjohn]

It's not perfect, but at least we get something reasonably objective and not the BBC's/ Sky's usual party political broadcast for the Labour Party. Can't wait for his new TV programme / station to start.

[@louisebrown8827]

Could do a lot better!!! 😐

[@allenmiller2071]

Your brainwashed if you think he is giving you any good information. Where is his information on deaths from the vaccine that have occurred in U.K.? healthimpactnews.com/2021/24-residents-dead-in-3-weeks-as-one-third-of-uk-nursing-home-residents-die-after-experimental-mrna-covid-injections/

[@2414red]

Thank god we left the EU, great example of why we did

[@codliveroil4781]

It was of course a German vaccine manufactured in Belgium that's enabled the UK to get its vaccination programme off the ground.

[@adamskyj69]

@@codliveroil4781 How so?

[@jasonuren3479]

No wonder the EU is p!$$£d off at UK 🤣

[@rijamor]

@@codliveroil4781 Oxford-AZ???

[@fhugheveleigh2]

An excellent production - and I listened to every minute of it.

[@grahamwicks9970]

This program is so refreshing. And informative. No identity politics

[@daviddenley3512]

I've just started to listen to Andrew's KZbin show for the first time after looking to see where he had gone from the BBC and this show us Excellent. Thank you for doing this Andrew, it's very informative and none biased...something that's clearly lacking with the News channels on tv.

[@fox39forever]

It's TOTALLY biased, totally accepting the government's premise that there's a pandemic. WAKE-UP.

[@Anti_Woke]

Information, interesting and amusing this week without any woke nonsense. Well done Spectator

[@codliveroil4781]

zzzz yet another case of Woke Derangement Syndrome. Can't people like you ever think about something else?

[@brettmotlib2268]

Can't you understand that not all people think that a woke philosophy is a positive think. Its all round perspective that's needed.

[@Anti_Woke]

@@codliveroil4781 Can't see why I should since woke totalitarians are destroying Western civilisation. Can't you think?

[@codliveroil4781]

Notions that so-called woke is destroying Western civilisation is totally ridiculous. Go out for walks, volunteer for your local food bank, do something to reconnect with real sane life.

[@Anti_Woke]

@@codliveroil4781 Notions that disinformation woke is destroying Western civilisation is exactly what they say they are doing. Go to the National Trust and see the feminist propaganda instead of authentic paintings, go to university and see critical race theory instead of Chaucer. One of us is sane and the other one rejects truth, facts and logic as the basis of their cult.

[@MrDavey2010]

Excellent as always! Long may this programme continue.

[@bobtollafield918]

Deaths “with’ covid, not ‘from’.

[@louisebrown8827]

Omg 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻absolutely correct 💗 media and government using chose words and stupid people not questioning it!! And neither has Andrew marr 😌 disappointed

[@madebymonkeys5641]

Only 377 deaths attributed to covid for the under 60s who had no underlying conditions. If you're under 60 and healthy you have more chance of dying from driving your car...

[@possessionfriend946]

I think we should help our Own country by holidaying in Britain at least in 2021 ( if we're able. ! )

[@laravonstaden1838]

I couldn’t agree more. We live in a beautiful country and it should quiet down the climate protest idiots.

[@rijamor]

Cock on! I've made a promise to see all the beautiful places we have on our doorstep. Except Scotland. Sturgeon has caused me to develop an involuntary gag when I hear the accent.

[@possessionfriend946]

@@rijamor Widow Twanky is the worse thing ever to happen to Scotland and sooner they kick the SNP out the better for all.

[@maxflight777]

I strongly disagree. British workers need sunshine and warmth, not damp and boring mediocrity.

[@possessionfriend946]

AZN should tell the Germans to ' Do One '

[@madebymonkeys5641]

If England had four hundred miles between cities we would be doing a lot better as well. 🤨

[@Afterthoughtbtw]

Surely when comparing Britain and Australia, population density has to be taken into account? The more dense a population the easier it is for viruses to spread.

[@susiewickham9990]

Agree with you 100% on this. I imagine ANZ citizens live very socially distanced lives anyway

[@andymac345]

Afterthought_btw Which is so annoying when people use New Zealand as an example of what to do. The population there is about the same as London.

[@patriciasanderson2171]

@@andymac345 no it's much less. 4 and a half million in NZ. London 7 million or a bit more. It's a stupid comparison I keep hearing.

[@patriciasanderson2171]

Yes I'm from the uk and live currently in Australia and find it a laughable comparison. I mean, really stupid. Australia has way more space and people drive everywhere so your not stuck on top of each other like in Europe.

[@softcolly8753]

Yes, but that can be quite a misleading statistic. Spain has a relatively low population density, but most people live in pretty densely packed cities.

[@arleygomez465]

Fantastic show.

[@ralphybell1]

My thoughts are that the vast majority of young people and children affected through the lock down restrictions don't need talking therapy they need to get out and doing stuff with peers!

[@Afterthoughtbtw]

Mental health support is not the same thing as 'talking therapy'. For that matter, what most people think of when it comes to psychiatry isn't even the most prevalent form of 'talking therapy'. Many, many forms of mental health treatment involve 'doing stuff' (or enabling people to 'do stuff') and building relationships with peers.

[@niknoks7638]

Excellent content 👏

[@lindahaddon3354]

According to AZ it states that 8% of people in trials were over 65. Apparently that’s where the 8% comes from

[@jed4119]

Guessing rates of vitamin D are high in Australia as well

[@importantjohn]

Yes. Plus they got lucky. They locked down the sametime as the UK, but they were not infected at that point. The UK were heavily infected. Total luck

[@carinajw]

that will have helped I'm sure

[@quentinnewark2745]

Also density, fewer people per sqkm..., maybe younger population too?

[@laravonstaden1838]

Meanwhile here in the British winter we are all swallowing vitamin D tablets!

[@Barts027]

Not luck, strict quarantine at the borders. Unlike the UK who let anyone in unchecked.

[@suziclark1]

I love James Forsyth’s use of the term « nimble country » to describe post Brexit Britain! Wasn’t’ that once a bread brand? Thank goodness we disengaged from this unelected monolith ... but why haven’t we pushed for recognition of our financial services industry ?

[@andymac345]

suziclark1 She flies like a balloon in the sky, getting that ear worm out of my head is going to be problematic.

[@penelopekimber6377]

Try convincing teachers unions that long summer holidays have to go.

[@khankrum1]

Either that or the dole queue. Just like everyone else

[@CHRISDABAHIA]

“Long, Summer holidays” - the old fallacy....

[@possessionfriend946]

Next Year, Summer ( and All ) Holidays need to be Drastically CUT ! and Teacher Unions can go F... themselves

[@JamieM20001996]

@@CHRISDABAHIA ahh the old "the old fallacy" fallacy.

[@toby9999]

The value of schools is vastly overrated.

[@zaygezunt]

I've watched so many of these and this was one of the very best - great guests, interesting topics and the great A.N. of course

[@penelopekimber6377]

CAMHS - Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services have always been poorly resourced. It will not be easy to find the people to treat the issues.

[@emmasuesitch3354]

Agree. My daughter had a mental health crisis in April last year. CAMHS basically told me to call the police which would have made matters worse! CAMHS is not fit for purpose.

[@patriciasanderson2171]

My partner is a psychoanalyst and tried implementing proven treatment programmes that really helped adolescents. The NHS didn't want to know and he gave up trying. Underresourced and run by middle management who have no vision.

[@carlbyronrodgers]

No mention of the origin and who will be held accountable.Perhaps a Winne the Pooh tax on products coming from a certain country needs to be considered.

[@ogasi1798]

no proof it came from there though is there

[@robertheywood5523]

Bloody marvellous, forgotten what it is like to view a programme of this quality, in expertise, analysis and delivery

[@rijamor]

It's like a news programme used to be before leftie, bed-wetting, half-wits got hold of them.

[@philipa.d.secretan5781]

Terrific product! It is now becoming a "must see" thing/program/issue for me. There are so many things I like about it - Neil is one of the top political commentators and it's great to be able to listen to him on a very "personal" basis (Neil, where did you get your sofas? My Mrs wants to know!). - The format is great. The speakers are very knowledgeable, and are allowed far more time to make their points than on the dreaded "telly". The comments on the EU Vaccine Battle were absolutely brilliant. - I can also listen to it at my leisure, and not to some specific time table determined by the TV Stations, and without the dreaded search through iPlayer, or whatever the ruddy system is. Brilliant. Keep up the good work. Can't wait for next Thursday.

[@SomeGuy_83]

41:00 Why has AUS done so well with low deaths the answer is easy 1. It's currently summer is AUS so less deaths COVID disappears in the summer, 2. Easier to isolate AUS from the rest of the world and 3. Better vitamin D uptake in AUS. Let's see how well they do during their winter.

[@liammarsh1585]

Well done to the Aussies. It sounds as though they've done a great job. I'd be extremely pissed off if I was one of the stranded Australian citizens though, particularly when they've been letting in tennis players from around the world recently. Citizenship should trump how rich and famous a person is, when it comes to deciding who to let into a country.

[@hnxry_752]

When can us young and healthy people get back to normal? I'm sick of protecting the vulnerable when it is such a detriment to my mental health

[@adamskyj69]

It should never have been a full national lockdown, just the vulnerable and their households - which they estimated would've been less than 6m people. That way the rest of us could have continued and not strangled most of the economy, reduced mental health issues, more cancer patients diagnosed and treated etc. In short, they placed the needs of a few above the needs of the many. Mental illness, hmm - as a person who is self-employed via my limited company and a wife who works in the NHS, we have received no furlough help or income replacement for my decimated business - edging to bankruptcy as I type. A complete fuck up from start until the vaccination stage, the only thing we have done right.

[@rijamor]

I find it particularly galling that our unelected masters on SAGE making these life-altering mandates wont lose any pay, their pensions or their jobs. I'm effectively paying someone I don't know to completely piss all over my life!

[@Yorosero]

Great episode. The bit from professor Salisbury was very informative.

[@gerardwood7321]

Love this hope it stays free

[@RitaS.926]

Does Australia also put COVID-19 as the cause of death on death certificates even if the patient actually died of their underlying condition and caught COVID-19 on top of that? Surely this is a major factor in the very high U.K. figures and why is this ignored by MSM?

[@jasonuren3479]

Yes, it is very strange the number of people in UK who were hit by vehicles, or who fell off ladders and similar types of accidents who died of covid.... 🤔

[@RitaS.926]

@@jasonuren3479 - Agree.. Many people who had to go into hospital for any other reason were then at very high risk of catching COVID-19 due to being ill but they actually died of their main condition. However their death was recorded as a COVID death.

[@dennissolomon455]

Rita Smith.yes Australia does we have very corrupt state governments nothing they have done is wrong its always someone else's fault

[@toby9999]

There is no evidence of it in Australia. Most of the deaths were in Victoria where the Premier announced cases and deaths on a daily basis. One could probably check. Refrences were published daily. Additionally, if someone spends weeks in hospital/ICU, it would be pretty obvious to all involved what is wrong with them through testing and symptoms.

[@billyjones9533]

If anyone is in doubt about data relating to Covid deaths, simply look at the number of excess deaths, compared to the usual number at the time of year!

[@kirsty.H34]

I'm all for sharing the vaccine but to poorer countries around the world who really do need the help.

[@crusadeagainstgreedyentert4865]

Lots of these poor countries, so-called, were mad keen to be independent. Being independent means standing on your own two feet. Can't they develop their own vaccines, or has all their scientists 'fled' to Britain?

[@kirsty.H34]

@@crusadeagainstgreedyentert4865 don't get me wrong I believe we should 100% make sure we are all ok in this country, I would just much prefer if the government were to share, then it not be with the EU because of the rhetoric coming from them.

[@allahspreadshate6486]

@@crusadeagainstgreedyentert4865 - You have have to be a doctor, engineer or professor before you're allowed on one of those dinghies crossing the channel daily, according to the BBC...

[@liammarsh1585]

Makes sense. Once we're sorted out, it seems more appropriate to send excess vaccine doses to countries like Brazil rather than fellow European countries with their lower reinfection rates and superior health systems. That would save more lives and allow a sooner global return to normal.

[@trevsmith4605]

Its more about relationships and future trade. UK should use any excess as a lever for trade etc which makes perfect sense. Poorer countries will always be poor if they dont help themselves also they'll remain poor if their governments remain so corrupt and skim funds for their own means.

[@chrisclements5827]

Hotel quarantine: "Prison with WiFi" BUT no access to an exercise year. Good job it is only 2 weeks as the UN regards solitary confinement over 15 days as torture!

[@fox39forever]

Good point, well-made.

[@markthirkell7056]

Except that you have a choice - no quarantine unless you decide to cross the border.

[@chrisclements5827]

@@markthirkell7056 What about people who are simply trying to return home - do they have a choice? Your arguement could of course be extended to criminals - they have a choice over whether to commit a crime, so does that justify keeping them in solitary confinement?

[@markthirkell7056]

@chris clements depends why they were travelling abroad in 1st place - an inherently risky behaviour during a disease outbreak. Quarantine is about protecting a population from new infection - not individuals. And yes criminals who pose a risk to the prison population are also isolated. Calling quarantine "solitary confinement" is exaggerating - you can engage with friends & colleagues on the web as I understand it. Physical isolation is not the same as social isolation.

[@iffler2542]

If we have surplus vaccine.. it should go to commonwealth countries.

[@markthirkell7056]

The reasons Australia and to an even greater extent New Zealand have suffered far less (so far) from CV19 disease and deaths (total 3 deaths in NZ) reflect 3 fundamental factors: 1. Opportunity to close borders - late onset of cases + geographical remoteness. 2. Rapid action to lockdown and trace before significant spread (1-time opportunity) 3. Low population density - about 1/10th of UK - less opportunity for untraceable community spread. No real reason to feel the smugness portrayed by your OZ editor - OZ & NZ just got lucky - and OZ came very close to the brink of an outbreak. Viruses are a force of nature and not interested in politics!

[@John-wt8bp]

Great show Andrew thank god you didn’t go back to the bbc

[@philiplindley7384]

I think the countries that have been successful so far in fighting this disease need to be very careful in the future. And a little less smug.

[@importantjohn]

It was luck. 90% of Western countries locked down on the same week (including Germany, UK, Australia, France). At that point, some countries were already highly infected (UK and France) and some where not (Germany and Australia). Pure luck. Australia did well to stay on top of it once they got the advantage, but contract tracing a few hundred people is not difficult. Germany actually screwed up the second wave along with most other countries. UK was doing fairly well on the second wave but then got the new variant. Once the infections take hold, demographics and medical status determine deaths, not government action.

[@Barts027]

Luck! You guys do exist then! Border closed!

[@LinkoofHyrule]

thanks for the video spectator and andrew but for next video can we increase Andrew Neil's microphone a bit? thanks

[@soosidescott]

Excellent as ever. Andrew - get a mic please 👍

[@chrisbeck6722]

Australia don't have hundreds of lorries coming in on Roll-On, Roll-Off ferries bringing in food. If we put the drivers into 2 weeks quarantine there'd be no food in the shops!

[@bobdeverell]

Australia appears to have handled the pandemic better than Europe, but when you consider that respiratory deaths peak in winter, Australasia's present lows may be due to being in summer. For safety reasons lets hope they can vaccinate before their next winter season.

[@toby9999]

I live in Melbourne. The present lows are clearly due to our strict quarantine, testing and border control policies. The only major Australian outbreak was in Melbourne and that due to hotel quarantine failure. Nothing else right through the winter of 2020. I believe our most vulnerable will be vaccinated through March and April.

[@robinmorritt7493]

Good point. Nobody died in the nice weather.

[@jonathanredden2483]

The media has been misleading about UK deaths. The following European countries have either worse or similar death rates to UK. They are Czech Republic, Italy, France Spain and Belgium. Moreover, the formats of death certificates vary between countries.

[@toby9999]

I don't believe the claims relating to children suffering mental health through missing school. I've never met a child who enjoyed school. I loathed school, every second of it.. A few months off would have been a dream come true. My son had five months home schooling in 2020 and loved it. I skipped 3 years of school without an issue. This has to be pro-school propaganda, surely?

[@andymac345]

Toby It’s not school it’s the isolation from their mates that is damaging.

[@jwalker2396]

Whilst there will no doubt be mental health issues for kids I suspect there may be another issue, lack of immunity to other infections - Kids normally play with other kids, they share germs and infections, this gives them immunity. I think we'll see more physical health issues as kids will have reduced immunity to common infections and allergies.

[@madebymonkeys5641]

Instructions in 24 languages.... 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 EU.. 🤫

[@williamrutter3619]

great production, very informative, why do we need the bbc any more, i look forward to more videos and the gb news channel.

[@adamskyj69]

We don't, hence why you should give up live tv and cancel your direct debits!

[@timhutchence546]

Hi Kate, any comparative (respiratory admissions) hospital data for the same month last year?

[@jdg9999]

Do you think she cares about the actual truth lol?

[@importantjohn]

The Spectator publish all this data data.spectator.co.uk/city/nhs

[@jasonuren3479]

@@importantjohn Looks like a great resource, thanks for posting. I've just been looking at the data, and on the 'national' tab, I think it's about 7 graphs down, Weekly deaths registered in England and Wales. The red spike in Apr speaks for itself, but I couldn't help but notice a rather striking apparent correlation between the dip and spike around January 2021 and the average 2015-19. Obviously the numbers are different, but seems there's a definite similarity.

[@timhutchence546]

@@importantjohn Cheers for that John. Some really good data on the Spectator tracker. But the total bed occupancy is not useful on its own. You would want to see ICU occupancy usage and compare to Jan 2020. Just so we can know the full story or not in 2021 and how it compares to 2020 and 2019 etc.

[@importantjohn]

@@timhutchence546 I think they had ICU (critical care) on there along with Dec 2019 figures (admittedly not Jan 2019). You can actually look at the NHS figures for Q1 2019 and prior years. Average occupancy does actually seem similar to 2019. But of course we are under pressure every year. And the point its is the lockdown which is preventing the occupancy exceeding the usual 90% level. Still, I wish the government / media would just be more transparent, otherwise it helps encourage conspiracy theories.

[@possessionfriend946]

He's Right, if Britain is going to do what Australia did, we Must go Full out, Not just the 32 Countries, EVERY Country. - Priti was Right !!!

[@DS9TREK]

Australia limits the numbers coming in so strictly that thousands of Australians are stranded overseas and living on the streets while they wait on the waiting list to go home. Do you want that for Brits?

[@possessionfriend946]

@@DS9TREK If you choose to be abroad at this time of Lockdown, you must surely know what the possible consequences can be. Everybody is locked down, it just happens to be where ever you are at the time.

[@SomeGuy_83]

26:01 the professor says that we need to vaccinate the young people to stop transmission. The other experts say that the vaccine does not stop transmission and if all the vulnerable are vaccinated why should I take the risk of getting vaccinated when COVID is not a risk to my life however a vaccination that has not completed its trials and was rushed through QA could pose a far greater risk than COVID. I'm 37 and to date there has been more that 130,000 people diagnosed with COVID in the 35-39 age group and there has been just over 200 deaths. The logic coming from these so called experts makes no sense. Expert: you must take the vaccine to stop transmission. Me: but the other experts tell me that the vaccine does not stop transmission and if the vaccine has a 95% efficacy then I dont need to take it as I'm not at risk and all the at risk people has already had it.

[@deniskearney2368]

Andrew does not get the high ranking politicians on his show, they are understandably scared of humiliation, but isn’t it refreshing to have knowledgeable people directly answering questions. No dissembling, evasion or downright lies

[@christheswiss390]

PLEASE get your volume in the video up!

[@jsyste6273]

Andrew, what happened to the book shelves?

[@originalkk882]

The Australia quaratine argument is spurious. It was successful there, and elsewhere because it was brought in very early, where there was a low incidence of the virus. Scientists are clear that with a high incidence like ours (25-30000 "cases"/day), it is a waste of time. This might have work if we had done it early, but we had far too many cases before we even were aware of the virus.

[@spragger]

We need much, much more of David Salisbury, this guy explains it in straightforward terms . You can see why @BBC will not use him rather the communists in 'Alternative' SAGE.

[@MrBillGarland]

When are we going to hear the “of covid” deaths ??

[@andymac345]

MrBillGarland Yup, big difference between “of and with “.

[@winstonsmith2079]

Boring.

[@andymac345]

W.S. Nice to see some constructive comments.

[@winstonsmith2079]

@@andymac345 Just look at the Excess Death statistics. Easy to find. Enough of this pedantic nonsense.

[@andymac345]

Winston Smith Check the ONS data , you are being sold a pig in a poke.

[@dereklund2321]

I thoroughly enjoyed the final item about the office of Prime Minister. I am immensely proud of our history and the way in which our unwritten constitution has had the freedom to evolve ad hoc. King George 1, spoke German but not English, therefore he couldn't chair meetings of his ministers. Someone had to do it and out of that first need came the office of Prime Minister.

[@derektodd4126]

Not all the government's fault, The public is also at fault not accepting lockdown.

[@winstonsmith2079]

The worst effected countries are poorly led or just poor.

[@tomburroughes9834]

I would also add that Sir Robert Peel was a great and important PM.

[@MR_THINQ]

You need to sort your volume out on your videos!

[@rogerclark6605]

More volume please

[@yorkshireboy2685]

are the death numbers for wuflu still including "regular" flu and pneumonia? what is average age of death? co-morbidities? what percentage of those diagnosed with wuflu are from people entering hospital for other reasons?

[@johnc5258]

can someone explain to me how a covid death is categorised? My understanding is that any respiratory-based death where a person tested positive for coronavirus, is then categorised as a covid-death My confusion is that I'm under the impression that previously, a death was categorised according to main underlying condition for death. I'm under the impression that people used to be labelled as having died of things like old-age, HIV/AIDS, being over-weight, and other degenerative causes - effectively circumstances (like old-age) or diseases which don't deal the 'killing blow' but rather make the person so weak and vulnerable that a common cold (a coronavirus) would be enough to push them over the edge I'm just wondering if my understanding of the above is correct, or needs adjustment ? Because if my understanding is correct, I'm wondering again whether a cure for the common cold (coronavirus) might mask the existence of quite serious underlying degenerative diseases. If a higher rate of death is due to corona viruses, isn't it perhaps a sign that the human race has developed in two fundamental areas 1) healthy people live longer than ever before, so a greater number of people being quite old and naturally vulnerable to common cold viruses, especially a bad cold like this corona virus, and 2) unhealthy people, with poor diets and habits, are kept alive for longer, thereby negating the costly effects of their unhealthy lifestyles, prompting a larger number of vulnerable people available for a bad cold to deal the killing blow Or is this topic no longer relevant? Vaccine wars more interesting?

[@johnc5258]

no worries if my question/ confusion can't/won't be answered/ explained... but this can only add to the whole skeptic debate about whether lock-downs cause more harm than good. Let alone whether this corona virus is somewhat exaggerated. Is it crazy to ask a question that isn't answered, or crazy to believe an answer that didn't have a question (?) To be honest, I've been led down the discussion about whether societal issues are sparked by literal impacts on society, or the perceived impacts which manifest from directed group-think. If this is an inconceivable circumstance, please correct my supposition. I'm always happy to learn (rather that be told something and also guided into not thinking about it) Would there be another pandemic when people look at the rising numbers of people who die from falling down stairs, and thereafter lock-down all floors in buildings until we figure out how to prevent all stair-falling-deaths? If so, I'd start investing in companies producing harnesses. The danger is there, just not really understood until media presents us with the frightening statistics Please everyone, be careful out there. It's a scary world

[@johnc5258]

suppose my question falls under the label "anti-vaxxer conspiracy theory" anyway - I do wonder as well (given the drive towards censoring topics like this on youtube and other social media platforms) whether the aim of simply deleting these comments is the normal trend. If I was financially incentivised, I'd rather include coding within the algorithm that would delete the comment on the public platform while keeping it visible for the commentator. that way, the person can't flag another attempt at silencing free-speech (despite the validity of the question) and will otherwise make the commenter feel like they're being ignored by the public. Thereby making them desist in trying to sway a narrative for fear of falling out of favour with the general public Obviously I'd have to be financially incentivised to do such a thing (contributing to the financially-incentivised production of an echo-chamber), and greatly so. But I think more money can be made by investing in bubble-wrap companies supplying bubble-wrap suits for the masses. Seems like panic-hysteria is part of the new normal, and I'd stand to make a lot of return :)

[@charltonmc]

Explain to young people that they need to come forward to be vaccinated in order to protect the old and vulnerable. They will come forward i’m sure.

[@crusadeagainstgreedyentert4865]

They will? I didn't realise that the youth were so public-spirited.

[@Darren14]

Vaccinate kids at schools

[@khankrum1]

@@jonathandart1390 where are the mass graves?

[@ralphybell1]

@Thomas Rakewell I have not heard an answer to this obvious question either, under 45 can gget herd immunity from normal life and the old and vulnerable protected by mid Feb so why not end lockdown then?

[@DS9TREK]

That makes no sense. According to the experts, if I get the vaccine I'll still be able to catch and spread Covid. So how does me getting the vaccine protect others? But if I'm wrong and still being able to spread a virus protects the elderly, why doesn't the NHS give the flu jab to young people? Answers please!

[@richardfraser7024]

Does the Spectator really not have enough funding for a better microphone?

[@tridentmusic5570]

Fabulous, straighforward and informative. Always good to have a "lighter" ( ? ) end-with a very salient, but "veiwable" (sic) interview with Anthony Seldon. THANK YOU.

[@richardgillies9160]

For an idea on how effective a lockdown is on people coming into the country we need only look at Thailand who shut there borders and when opened insisted on 14 day quarantine in hotels with no movement outside them. Thats what we should have done back in March when they had it in place. As an island our greatest defence has always been the water between us and other countys.

[@DS9TREK]

We're a major hub port. The UK is one of the least able to cut itself off from the world.

[@richardgillies9160]

@@DS9TREK agreed but either we save lives and risk our position in the world. Or we state we have to protect our position and therefore people will die and that is a risk we will accept. A strong leader would make a choice but we seem to have dithered and so end up with a mix of the worst of both.

[@denismunro214]

Score one for Brexit.

[@laravonstaden1838]

No matter how the press try to twist it, Brexit is a blessing, especially now we see the EU vaccine pantomime.

[@estherx8399]

Please can you turn the microphone up next time your on...thanks

[@lordbushmills3089]

Pardon?

[@paulbrowne9501]

I'm not shocked at all at the bahaviour of the EU.

[@penelopekimber6377]

How long does protection last for a vaccinated person?

[@importantjohn]

Vaccination often lasts for years, some for a lifetime.

[@DS9TREK]

@@importantjohn how many vaccines genuinely give years of protection? The flu jab barely gives 6 months

[@importantjohn]

@@DS9TREK The BCG vaccination is thought to protect up to 80% of people against the most severe forms of TB for at least 15 years, perhaps even up to 60 years.

[@penelopeessence]

@Thomas Rakewell And given the uncertainties and shortened trials I think the answer must be 'no one knows '.

[@richardpentelow655]

Super show, investment in sound amd light required? Also, I hate to say it, but proper comments, not the usual KZbin nonsense. We must keep it up!

[@christinedykes6625]

As usual a superb programme

[@Mikeboris1]

Can't wait for the next issue, I'm sure the EU will be torn a new one!! Excellent discussion with Mr Neil

[@robcheshire5051]

Brillo's strength is holding the corrupt SNP to account, any other subjects not so much....

[@MrBallynally2]

If you call the EU response a temper tantrum you are already put yr stamp on it. Having looked at it it seems the EU has some legitimate objections. The EU is trying to put pressure on Astra Zeneca. Im sure if it was the UK it w do the same. Comparing the EU to children is the kind of knee jerk reaction we are all guilty of at times.Have a closer look before you start spitting bile.I expect more of the Spectator..

[@MrBallynally2]

To add. This is not to say that the EU hasnt made big mistakes in the vaccine implementation. But you should somewhat separate it from the current issues

[@MrBallynally2]

@Redfern Pitcher well, i was actually referring to the title, which i suppose can be seen as egging on the anti EU 'brigade' (see what ive done there?). Words have meaning and yes, the podcast had some good nuances. Somewhat overlooked was, clearly, the fact that the commission tried to make as much noise as possible. In doing so it made some really bad decisions like with the NI protocol after which they were hammered on by members of the EU, including where i live, Ireland. We can now conclude that the noise created by the commission HAS resulted in at least some movement from Astra Zeneca. The more interesting question for me is if that was intentional or not. You see, those in the UK sometumes forget that the EU is a complex structure, with many layers and so many opportunities for things to go wrong. In other words, it is not a country. And it's not as if things go smoothly in the UK either. So, to me, the binary way of thinking and the playground posturing is part of the same mechanism that you see in the US, though not as destructive. I think both the UK and Israel were very quick off the blocks and gambled heavily on the various vaccins and it paid off. The EU is overall more cautious and like to have all the ducks in the pond, having to deal with the views of many countries. That has led to delays and they are paying the price for it. One might snigger if one wants to play that game. Well, the UK is now free to do what it likes. And there is enough ruckus felt by many people in the UK after Brexit to deal with. I actually think Boris had a sensible approach to this, not putting oil on the fire, unlike the inevitable back benchers and some Spectator commentators who are simply too quuck to judge. In the end it is children who berate others for behaving like children, like yourself. You are making a uninformed, kneejurk judgement. And quite rich if you want to play the intellectuaI. First you need to get some distance between you and the playground. For now, i can just ignore that kind of response as i got out of the sandpit a long time ago. Not going back.. Im not playing, sir, but go right ahead..

[@maxflight777]

For goodness sake James, go and see a go dentist. We love your content and greatly admire you ... but help yourself mate.

[@chrisohanlon69]

Can you do a covid free edition of spectator tv please

[@possessionfriend946]

? - It is ???

[@chrisohanlon69]

@@possessionfriend946 all they ever talk about is covid 19 and related stuff

[@sarahwalker5007]

Online plays it’s part but is no substitute for in-person teaching either in primary, secondary or higher education. Katie quite correct that children and Uni students need in-person, in-class peer and teacher interaction, not just for mental health but best educational outcomes. We are social beings and require social interaction. Grave danger that certain educational settings and groups push to switch to online for ease and cost saving but this would be at great loss to the student experience and to UK education as a whole.

[@sensibledriver933]

Maybe the Germans got VW to calculate the figures using the same formula they used to work out they're cars emmission numbers.

[@markpretlove8531]

When does GB news start?

[@ivanashley7875]

When a driver causes death by travelling at great speed through a town centre, we don't excuse the action as an exercise in "Freedom of choice". We rightly prosecute them for causing death by reckless driving. Choosing to abstain from being vaccinated, knowing that choice will contribute to the deaths of innocent people, should also carry a penalty. That penalty should (at least) be that having refused an offer of a vaccine, should you subsequently need hospital treatment for Covid, you should be refused NHS treatment and have to seek private medical support and endure the subsequent financial burden. Choose well my friends.

[@ivanashley7875]

@Redfern Pitcher I'm impressed, imagine that, "words coming from the bottom of a pitcher".

[@martinh4982]

Why do we need ten different vaccines? What happens if you get a mix of them? What are the long term health effects? Who can we sue if the vaccines prove dangerous?

[@DS9TREK]

Because competition is good for the consumer? Mixing the vaccines is something they're testing. Past experience shows that mixing vaccines can provide better results

[@gething44]

We are luckily spared sight of the Forsyth habitat. Methinks that is a blessing. A sixth former’s den full of old matchboxes and fluff?

[@CHRISDABAHIA]

21:50 “The U.K. variant of the Chinese virus”

[@gagamba9198]

You caught that too, eh? Notice how geoloco descriptors have re-emerged when it's the UK, South Africa, etc. Hmmm... peculiar, isn't it? And it isn't just Salisbury doing so. These are used constantly in news reports ever since these variants emerged. Why not Variant A, Variant B? Operation 'Protect the CCP' is resilient and enduring.

[@CHRISDABAHIA]

@@gagamba9198 Yes, indeed. It did jump out a little when I heard it the first time, but didn’t pay much more attention to it until I saw an article about how it was suddenly not racist to label variants, but we absolutely must *not* ascribe the original strain to the Chinese....

[@BinnyBongBaron_AoE]

Getting rid of summer holidays? No chance.

[@Nick-vl7df]

Hi Sorry to correct you but there's loads of prime minister Museum's. They just called them The Chamber of Horrors Later.

[@TermiteVideo]

Forsyth’s teeth are so distracting

[@sim5847]

James could do with a trip to meet Klopp & Firmino

[@briansiddon2255]

Now, even the Germans (who have decided to perform the same old genocide on superfluous and expensive pension-claiming over-65s) regret living in Wandaliarland.

[@gething44]

Compare the Neill environment. A matter of taste?

[@bluecheese20401]

When I hear professional news people talk about political polls like they are anything other than the garbage finger in the air prediction that they are I get so depressed.....

[@gething44]

The Professor seems to live in paradise?

[@deniskearney2368]

Headphones will help!,

[@claireb9127]

Thanks for another great episode 👏

[@chris-mg5ui]

A country may be on the safe list when you leave the UK to go on holiday but be on the dangerous list by the time you are returning to the UK.

[@chris-mg5ui]

Not just UK holidaymakers either. What about all the other people arriving in the UK on a daily basis?

[@nsturgeon7145]

The book title should have been - Mr Chicken Coop

[@nottooherbal]

Volume very low A bit better now .

[@possessionfriend946]

Voice is Very Quiet on this recording !

[@Cotictimmy]

I'm imagining a Woke director appointed to run the new Museum Of British Prime Ministers, and immediately announcing that they will 'De-Colonize' it by ceremonially burning its entire contents.

[@gillwil]

sounds like a prison (45:27)