He promised Britain respite after months of soul-numbing social quarantine. It was his seasonal gift to the nation and he hates the idea of taking it back. He also hates taking responsibility for his actions. Typically, the prime minister’s preferred outcome involves two incompatible things: a simulation of normal Christmas and a health service that is not overwhelmed in January and February, which are its busiest months even in non-pandemic years. The government’s message is characteristically confused – here is a special dispensation to do something you are strongly advised not to do. Source: Boris Johnson has a habit of delaying tough choices. In a pandemic, it’s lethal | Boris Johnson | The Guardian