View Full Version : Stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas, says Tory peer...
...I thought that this might be a discussion in its own right../..deserved it’s own thread etc...but if felt not, it can be merged with the general COVID-19 thread...
...anyways...agree../disagree etc with Lord Blencathra.../..thoughts...?...
People should stop “whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas” as much could change in the coming weeks, according to a Tory former minister.
Lord Blencathra took aim at the media before also praising “oriental tourists” in London for wearing masks over the years, and advising others to follow their lead when in public places.
He added it serves people right if they catch Covid-19 after cramming themselves into a “ghastly Ryanair flight” or pack into pubs, but expressed his deep concern that they will infect other “innocent” people.
Lord Blencathra was speaking in a debate on face covering regulations in England, in which he supported the measures in place and pressed the Government to simplify the rules on wearing face masks.
Separate Government rules which limit social gatherings to six people have caused concern for people about the impact it will have on their Christmas celebrations.
But Lord Blencathra said: “Please (health minister Lord Bethell) tell the media to stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas.
“Christmas is three months away and anything can happen in the meantime.”
He continued: “On a train, passengers and crew wear masks most of the time, but shop assistants are exempt, it seems.
“I was in a shop last week and every shopper was wearing a mask, but a guy filling the shelves had no mask and was coughing and wheezing like an old sheep with lungworm. How does that encourage others to obey the law?
“I am a libertarian and … if someone wants to kill themselves with 60 cigarettes a day, I don’t mind so long as it does not affect others or I have to pay for it.
“That is why I deeply resent those who are guzzling themselves obese and expect NHS taxpayers to pay the bill for their diabetes treatment.
“So I don’t care if people cram themselves into a ghastly Ryanair flight or pack a pub and they get Covid-19, it serves them right, but I do care very deeply indeed that they are infecting other innocent people, such as their more elderly relatives, their friends and their workmates.
“For many years, we have seen oriental tourists in London wearing masks.
“It’s nothing to do with Covid-19, but out of courtesy because they had a cold and did not want to infect others. I commend that oriental courtesy and culture.
“It is high time everyone in this country did the same every time they are outdoors or in public places with no exemptions, except for a few medical exemptions, and no excuses. Report them instantly and hit them hard with penalties when they do not comply.”
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/stop-whingeing-not-meeting-granny-161633654.html
Strictly Jake
19-09-2020, 07:00 AM
Truth spoken
what an uncaring idiot he is
what an uncaring idiot he is
...stop that whinging, bots...streuth...
Oliver_W
19-09-2020, 08:06 AM
Frankly, if you don't have a normal Christmas this year then more fool you. The police can't go to every house and probably wouldn't be inclined to on Christmas Day. And even if they did ... it's what, a few hundred quid? Who cares lol, just split up the bill among everyone there.
Hes attacking the press not the people..but again the press/ammi have twisted the headline into it sounding like he is telling the people to stop whinging..
Frankly, if you don't have a normal Christmas this year then more fool you. The police can't go to every house and probably wouldn't be inclined to on Christmas Day. And even if they did ... it's what, a few hundred quid? Who cares lol, just split up the bill among everyone there.
...you’re very black and white, Oliver...with no grey areas at all...I have a son who lives in Spain, who I won’t have seen for a year at Christmas time this year...and obviously, restrictions may mean this will go on longer and longer, possibly...obviously it’s something that we all have to accept because individual families are facing different things and some are sadly facing the loss of loved ones who won’t be seen for anymore Christmases...but the ‘more fool you..’ ...really doesn’t apply and isn’t appropriate at all...
i've already postponed our family gathering at christmas, that way it allows people to make local arrangements without feeling guilty. The religious festival means nothing to me and we can all catch up when the circumstances are better (and safer). I have a wedding to attend next month and that's looking less likely by the day which is a shame, but not exactly unexpected
joeysteele
19-09-2020, 08:28 AM
Some of what he says is sense.
Such as people cramming into planes for instance.
However the tone is unnecessary.
It doesn't serve anyone right for getting this hateful, possible long term health conditions, after it virus.
Anyone who gets it can pass it to others.
As for Christmas.
As a child and a teen, I can't even think how I'd feel, had I not been able to see my Grandparents and particularly one Grandmother.
It just wouldn't have been Christmas not to.
It still isn't, all these years after losing them.
So whinging is unnecessary and a very uncaring cold attitude.
From where it's come from, that cold attitude doesn't surprise me in the slightest now.
Although on balance, a lot of what he has detailed is valid definitely.
So I can agree with much he has detailed.
To say however, Christmas is 3 months away.
As if no thought or preparation is needed about the implications of this virus.
3 months ago as things appeared to be starting to ease.
The government started to relax so much across the Country and in most business settings.
Well 3 months on.
Look where we are heading now after that.
Personally I've already set out to protect my own Mum made it that Christmas will be very low key with few visitors at all.
Even that may not be allowed at the time.
However, we had this, and I make no apology for calling him this, inept PM.
Harping on about a few closures here and there now to save Christmas.
Without even predicting this new near chaos looming on this virus again soon.
At least he's at last realised there is a second wave coming playing his usual catch up game of trying to keep up with what most others saw ages ago.
I agree individual stories like this perhaps need a separate thread Ammi.
The coronovirus thread having everything on it, important stories and issues can get lost on an all inclusive of all points and issues running thread.
Nicky91
19-09-2020, 08:30 AM
we never do big family gatherings at christmas anyway :laugh: just in total like 4 people (myself included) and that is easily to do with some distancing (if that is a must but we see each other daily so)
not gonna cancel christmas either, since it is one of those festivities i want each year :fist: even if just for the cosy decorations, tree, cookies/chocolates
Kazanne
19-09-2020, 08:39 AM
I agree,IF not seeing 'granny' saves her life,that's a Christmas present in itself, some people need to stop moaning and just follow whatever advice is given,no good flouting the advice then moaning about it.
Kazanne
19-09-2020, 08:42 AM
Hes attacking the press not the people..but again the press/ammi have twisted the headline into it sounding like he is telling the people to stop whinging..
This is what the press do all the time Parmy, this is why I take everything they say with a pinch of salt,as for newspapers,all they are good for is bum fodder and they aren't much good at that :laugh:
...what if granny feels this may be her last Christmas and she doesn’t want to be ‘kept safe’, but to spend time with her family in the short time she feels she has left...
...what if granny feels this may be her last Christmas and she doesn’t want to be ‘kept safe’, but to spend time with her family in the short time she feels she has left...
Then granny should break the law, like thousands of them will be.
...what if granny feels this may be her last Christmas and she doesn’t want to be ‘kept safe’, but to spend time with her family in the short time she feels she has left...
that's actually very selfish of the granny. She may be happy to catch covid and die, but what about the guilt of the family left behind
It's insensitively put but he's right that a lot can change in three months and people can't expect a definite answer about what the situation will be at Christmas. It'd be sensible to hope for the best but plan for the worst imo assuming the rule of six is still in place and that this can't be a 'normal' Christmas. It's a shame but it is what it is, there's lots of people who never get to have a normal Christmas because of their jobs, distance, money concerns etc
joeysteele
19-09-2020, 08:58 AM
...what if granny feels this may be her last Christmas and she doesn’t want to be ‘kept safe’, but to spend time with her family in the short time she feels she has left...
Exactly.
It's the generalised cold attitude that stinks most Ammi.
This Christmas is harder for us this year.
My Mum's sister, my Aunt was lost to this detestable virus.
We never thought last year was her last Christmas with us.
Yet it has proved to be.
Time is important.
Time is precious with whoever and whatever we love.
Losing them is awful.
However seeing them is vital too.
I'm hoping to balance as much as I can for my Mum to see my great nephew's and nieces.
However it's concerning and certainly not whinging at all.
It's still never the less upsetting for both Grandparents and children.
I agree too with Kazanne that the press twist things.
The media are a disgrace.
It's odd however when the media inflamed, invented things re say Corbyn or Labour then what the media were saying was seen as near gospel.
What the media have unearthed is the inconsistencies and blatant deceit of Ministers under this PM as to this virus.
The mess made of it has shown the media while annoying have been largely proven correct in fears and the lack of effective results.
Even government strongly usually supporting media have turned on this hopeless and dangerous PM and his cabinet on this.
It will be devastating for my Mum to not see most of her great grandchildren and grandchildren over Christmas.
The losses in my own family of 2 relatives plus 2 friends to this virus.
Dictate time is extremely precious.
I've known that all my life so far.
To some, with a colder attitude, that doesn't hit home with them until they lose people Extremely close to them, before their time.
Which is even worse and harder to bear.
user104658
19-09-2020, 09:10 AM
It's insensitively put but he's right that a lot can change in three months and people can't expect a definite answer about what the situation will be at Christmas. It'd be sensible to hope for the best but plan for the worst imo assuming the rule of six is still in place and that this can't be a 'normal' Christmas. It's a shame but it is what it is, there's lots of people who never get to have a normal Christmas because of their jobs, distance, money concerns etc
I think this is maybe why the whole thing bothers me less than it does some people. Both of my parents worked in the NHS which obviously operates 365 days a year, neither of them HAD to work over Christmas but my dad got 3x pay if he did so it wasn't uncommon for him to work Christmas day. He didn't when we were really little kids but when I was 8+ he usually was out early (before we woke up) and back at about 4pm for Christmas dinner.
For me personally these days, I quite like seeing a couple of people on Christmas day but we've done multiple Christmases just the four of us so it's not that unusual. Also, three years back my eldest had a bad ear infection and her bloody eardrum burst on Christmas morning and that ranks as one of my worst DAYS ever - it was horrendous - so any normal quiet Christmas seems amazing in comparison :umm2:.
Kazanne
19-09-2020, 09:44 AM
Then granny should break the law, like thousands of them will be.
I am sure granny would as many have done,lol, we cant always do and have what we want,if we want to look after others.
joeysteele
19-09-2020, 09:53 AM
I am sure granny would as many have done,lol, we cant always do and have what we want,if we want to look after others.
I make sure I do what I want to protect others, not just my family or friends either.
I'll do all I want and have to to keep my Mother safe.
No matter what.
I can't understand anyone who wouldn't.
Kazanne
19-09-2020, 10:01 AM
I make sure I do what I want to protect others, not just my family or friends either.
I'll do all I want and have to to keep my Mother safe.
No matter what.
I can't understand anyone who wouldn't.
We will all do as we think fit Joey,hopefully ,not seeing 'granny' at Christmas wont be an issue,hard times.
I make sure I do what I want to protect others, not just my family or friends either.
I'll do all I want and have to to keep my Mother safe.
No matter what.
I can't understand anyone who wouldn't.
Ammi gave a scenario from the grannys side, if I was that granny I would break the law and make my last xmas the best I could.
joeysteele
19-09-2020, 10:06 AM
We will all do as we think fit Joey,hopefully ,not seeing 'granny' at Christmas wont be an issue,hard times.
Well if we all do as we think fit as you say.
Then God help us indeed.
There's some who think there's nothing to worry about and deaths of thousands are nothing.
Who denounce this virus as insignificant.
If they do as they think fit, we're all sunk.
Wow!.
Marsh.
19-09-2020, 10:06 AM
Of course he'd say that because any "restrictions" they enforce won't be followed by them anyway. As evidenced in the summer.
Kazanne
19-09-2020, 10:12 AM
Well if we all do as we think fit as you say.
Then God help us indeed.
There's some who think there's nothing to worry about and deaths of thousands are nothing.
Who denounce this virus as insignificant.
If they do as they think fit, we're all sunk.
Wow!.
I think you got me wrong Joey,most of us are sensible and will do what we deem fit, those that dont really dont care about anyone so will do as they want,some people are just selfish like that,and I cant see how we can chnge their mindset,they will always go against any advice.WE, hopefully are sensible and will try and follow advice, it is hard I know but if it all helps,why not?
Oliver_W
19-09-2020, 10:38 AM
You never know which Christmas will be Last Christmas, so enjoy all of 'em. Granny could die of old age, Freddie could get hit by a bus, Luke might die in a terror attack, Desmond might have cancer. Don't piss about and miss out on something because there's an illness with a lower mortality rate than the flu going around.
My family is planning a zoom xmas dinner.
smudgie
19-09-2020, 11:11 AM
He is bang on right. Follow the restrictions.
From the granny might never have another xmas day with them angle, he is still bang on right.
If it isn’t deemed safe then so be it.
This granny will have full on xmas with the kids, even if it isn’t until the spring or summer.🤶🏻🎁🎅🏻
Same as my mum smudge.. and I salute all grannys who will do the same.
I'm just moaning about having to cook my own dinner for zoom.
I can guarantee I will be thinking of al ot of people on xmas day, you included after your post.
****ey corona .do one
the minute someone is preaching the way he is, i know it's a fine case of projection
You never know which Christmas will be Last Christmas, so enjoy all of 'em. Granny could die of old age, Freddie could get hit by a bus, Luke might die in a terror attack, Desmond might have cancer. Don't piss about and miss out on something because there's an illness with a lower mortality rate than the flu going around.
What?
The mortality rate of Covid is far higher than flu
Nicky91
19-09-2020, 01:09 PM
What?
The mortality rate of Covid is far higher than flu
it is just old and weak (due to other medical conditions related to lungs) people who die of covid, same as the flu though
however this ain't an excuse for those who aren't vulnerable to this virus to go breaking any rules or underestimating it
it is just old and weak (due to other medical conditions related to lungs) people who die of covid
It quite literally is not
Trouble1321075
19-09-2020, 01:32 PM
Its interesting how he is all about telling people what their responsibility to others is but omits any self responsibility for his own health. The fact is that if he practices social distancing, wears masks, washes hands, etc... he is likely not gonna contract any virus. His argument is fake.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
user104658
19-09-2020, 01:36 PM
What?
The mortality rate of Covid is far higher than fluIt's a bit more complicated than that really. It is 7x higher across the board (0.1% vs 0.7%), far lower than flu in under 30's (because flu risk is high in the very young but covid risk almost zero), about the same as flu in 30-55, and sadly much, much deadlier than flu in over 65's (so much so that it brings the overall mortality rate up massively).
It's also easier to catch than flu because its new, so lack of herd immunity. E.g. If one family member has the flu you wouldn't automatically assume the whole household will get it whereas its very likely with Covid.
user104658
19-09-2020, 01:36 PM
It quite literally is notHe's correct in that it's the elderly and underlying conditions that make the death rate higher than flu.
This looks more and more like we have either ran out of flu virus jabs, or the ones we do have no longer work
Kizzy
19-09-2020, 08:35 PM
You know what? I kind of like his style... he doesn't sugar the pill and I respect that, sometimes being painfully direct is what is required. This is one if those times.
However, I don't agree with his explanation of why tourists always wore masks, it was not to prevent others catching anything from them. It was due to it being required in some countries due to poor air quality, for them masks have always been an accepted norm.
Crimson Dynamo
19-09-2020, 08:44 PM
This to me sounds very like a DM headline?
Kizzy
19-09-2020, 08:52 PM
It does as it comes across as uncaring and aloof. Much like their readership.
Thinking about it further although it is refreshing to hear it doesn't make the said unsugared pill any easier to swallow... this crimbo might be the last for some grannies regardless of covid. So the chance to spend precious time is lost which of course is desperately sad and obviously should be acknowledged with a degree of sensitivity.
Cherie
19-09-2020, 08:56 PM
He is spot on, the media whipped up a frenzy about summer holidays and now they are over, the next media frenzy is Christmas, just chill out maybe and take it a day at a time
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