We are now, in the UK, at a stage in the pandemic where daily suicide deaths, which were 18 per day in 2019 (the most recent figures we have) is higher than the number of daily Covid deaths and that figure is almost certainly significantly higher after year of lockdown.

Japan and Thailand have both signalled surges in suicide despite less harsh and shorter restrictions.

Also as lateral flow tests are available to all for twice weekly testing and there is an increased supply of vaccines for the most vulnerable, there isn’t any reason people should be transmitting the virus but for stupidity and disregard for others.

Yet despite all this Sage, some MPs, some press and many senior NHS figures (not those involved in mental health) are calling for opening up and the easing of restrictions to be delayed or reversed.

As they know this is killing people I’d argue that it is achieving the same outcome as genocide.

It is time we protected the most vulnerable in society - the disabled - instead of harming and culling them.

I hope never again as a country do we give up our freedoms so easily and more importantly never again let scientists and doctors decide that suicides are more acceptable deaths than any physical illness.

Richard Whiteside