The “great getaway” has not begun well. Holidaymakers, some of whom are going away for the first time since the pandemic, face vast queues to get into Port of Dover, with the facility’s chief executive blaming “woefully inadequate” staffing at French border control as officials declared a critical incident.
One traveller estimated the line at 3.5 miles, while P&O Ferries has told passengers to allow “at least six hours” to clear all security checks amid the day’s chaos.
Journeys around the country are further threatened by fuel protesters. Avon and Somerset police have warned motorists that “slow-moving roadblocks” were planned on numerous motorways after protests on the M25 earlier this week by Just Stop Oil. An image posted on the Facebook group Fuel Price Stand Against Tax suggests demonstrations will be held “nationwide”. Meanwhile, airports continue to face problems, with talk of issues persisting until the autumn as a result of staff shortages.
Many of those hoping to travel today by train or ferry were themselves seeking to avoid chaos at our airports, but it seems this summer there is no means of escape.
So spare a thought for those seeking to get away. As for the Government, it must continue to function amid this leadership contest and ensure our critical infrastructure — from roads to rail, ferries and aviation — are able to function at the busiest time of the year.
Shame of Trump
Donald Trump watched the assault on the US Capitol and did nothing to stop it. That is the accusation made by a cross-party panel in Washington DC, assembled to investigate the events of January 6, 2021.
The committee illustrated how, over a period of more than three hours, the then-president watched the violence and chaos unfold on television but refused to countenance White House aides and family members asking him to call off the mob. In fact, he continued to tell anyone who would listen the lie that the election was “stolen” and that formal certification of the results should be stopped.
This isn’t a history lesson. Trump could well run and win the Republican nomination for president in 2024. Given the current unpopularity of President Biden, and the fact Trump has proved he doesn’t need to win the popular vote to get elected, he could be back in the Oval Office.
And even if he isn’t, many of his Republican Party colleagues appear to have given up on democracy — at least when they lose.
Dina’s battling bronze
South London’s very own Dina Asher-Smith took Britain’s medal tally to three at the World Athletics Championships with a bronze in the 200m in Eugene, Oregon.
Asher-Smith was only a fraction off the personal best she recorded in claiming the world title in Doha three years ago. And after the race, she dedicated the medal to her grandmother, who passed away before the first race of the season.
Following the pain of injury at the Olympics and personal loss, this was a triumph of skill and spirit. Congratulations, Dina.
