26 July 2023 , 23:01
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Flu season may seem a long way off but warnings of one of the worst outbreaks in recent years must be taken seriously.
NHS England and health authorities in other parts of Britain beginning preparations is a reminder that viruses such as flu – and Covid, don’t forget – can be mass killers.
The worry is that years of underfunding and Tory austerity have left the NHS too weak to do what’s necessary to save lives.
A comprehensive vaccination programme to protect the most vulnerable is a basic need.
It requires resources, both human and financial. Then there is the issue of hospital beds, cut to the bone under the Conservative Government, and treatment of those infected by this potentially fatal disease.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
There is no excuse if ministers have left us at the mercy of an infection that can claim thousands of lives if unchecked.
Stay on track
Extending the consultation on station ticket office closures is round one to the Daily Mirror and all those fighting to preserve this valued public service.
But the fight isn’t over. It will take much more to save all or even most of the nearly 1,000 offices earmarked to be shut.
The vandalism of those running the transport sector is revealing the dependency of the elderly, disabled and vulnerable on the trained and usually friendly office staff. Those of us confused by ticket machines need them too.
Legal action by Labour mayors, marshalled by Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham, has helped force an initial rethink, so now is the moment to intensify the campaign to save railway stations’ crucial ticket offices.
A shining star
Irish singer and activist Sinead O’Connor was a star in many constellations, and her death at just 56 is a great loss to fans of her music and her campaigns alike.
She was right to stand up to abusers in the Catholic Church and will be remembered for that bravery as well as for her beautiful music.