Caution: May Contain Logic

Yesterday the streets of London filled once again as we assembled and walked together in the sunshine to convey our message: Lockdown is wrong.  The demonstration was attended by at least 750,000, with a beautiful carnival atmosphere - music, dancing, cheering, and smiles. It was a brilliant experience to be surrounded by the support and determination of like-minded people. Despite the concern we were expressing about the masses of harm being inflicted on innocent people, the atmosphere also contained a significant element of positivity, a celebration of our resilience and strength.  Along the walk I met some wonderful people - people representing the most important issues we currently face.  These NHS nurses are among the many who feel that the impacts of covid, while as emotionally devastating as any patient deaths, do not outweigh the damage to patients who have had vital surgeries postponed, cancer caught too late due to cancelled screenings, and heart attacks and strokes increased

  On Sunday, I participated in an interview with an independent film company, DT Films, for their project entitled Through Your Eyes. They are investigating the various impacts that lockdown has had on peoples lives, and giving those people a platform to share their perspectives. In my interview, we focussed on mental health impacts. I explained what I had experienced during each lockdown, from the emotional toll to the various physical manifestations of my mental state - heart palpitations, eye twitching, shaking, etc. We also discussed the major events that lockdown had caused in my life, such as my redundancy or seeing my mum's business that I have watched her pour years of training and hard work into building being closed down with a heartbreaking finality.  With the amazing support of the crew I felt free to express my perception that the imposition of these measures has been an injustice and a betrayal to many. Johnson, who claimed to support British business throughout his B

  Both a literal and metaphorical stand, groups from all over England have been convening every Sunday in parks to share thoughts and ideas in defiance of the inhumane restrictions imposed by the Johnson regime.  Our stand, in Chelmsford, began with just four attendees, including myself. 5 weeks on, our numbers are 5 times as many and growing strong. Every week with the mix of first-timers, regulars, and people who come when they can, I get to meet and talk with a variety of amazing people who never fail to brighten my day. Being in a natural space with people who are not afraid of an uncovered smile, who don't treat one another as though we are "unclean" - it's a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.  It is a fundamental part of human life to gather with others. We gather to celebrate, to mourn, to worship, to work, and to simply share our experiences. The United Nations considers solitary confinement exceeding 15 days to be torture - Nils Melzer, UN Special Rap