3 pages essay paper

Sturgeon's totalitarian state is worse than virus [Scot Region] Publication info: The Daily Telegraph ; London (UK) [London (UK)]31 Oct 2020: 7.

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ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) The effect on the economy, along with the rise in mental health problems, addictions and domestic abuse, as well

as the lack of attention by the NHS to other serious illnesses, are reaching a troubling level. The restrictions are

impeding treatment in the NHS for illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, and deaths from these

conditions dwarf fatalities from Covid. Niall McCluskey is an advocate specialising in criminal law and human

rights; Christian McNeill is a writer and former tribunal judge and advocate FULL TEXT Coronavirus regulations now control every area of our lives and this looks set to continue for the foreseeable

future. These have evolved into a five-level system which starts on Monday across Scotland.

The Orwellian "Level 0" will resemble this summer's restrictions, with Level 4 being similar to a full lockdown.

Levels 2 to 4 prevent Scots visiting each other in their own homes.

It is dystopian that no situation without any restrictions is even contemplated. These measures are not benign.

Their effects are not simply economic.

The level of restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government are disproportionate given the serious harm they are

causing society.

They are a form of psychological abuse perpetrated by the government on the people based on a false narrative

that exaggerates the threat posed by Covid-19 to the majority.

The effect on the economy, along with the rise in mental health problems, addictions and domestic abuse, as well

as the lack of attention by the NHS to other serious illnesses, are reaching a troubling level.

Lives are being upended. By the end of 2020, 100,000 Scots are expected to have lost their jobs. Free association

is curtailed. Children and young people are severely affected by the restraints even though only one person under

30 in Scotland has died of Covid-19.

The restrictions are impeding treatment in the NHS for illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, and

deaths from these conditions dwarf fatalities from Covid.

Loneliness is endemic, especially in care homes where the elderly, the primary group these measures are designed

to protect, are restricted in seeing their families.

Despite the constant mantra by politicians that they are "following the science", they are not. True scientific

progress involves constantly reevaluating in the face of up-to-date evidence and outcomes.

The government chose a course early and refuses to consider fresh evidence or fresh voices. There are concerns

that broadcasters including the BBC and social media are effectively subject to censorship. Why should evidence-

based information from other academics be suppressed in this way? Why is there no proper discussion of the

fuller picture as more evidence emerges?

The opposition in Scotland has been either unable, unwilling or ineffective in challenging these restraints. The only

recourse Scottish citizens now have is the courts.

Recently, hospitality businesses in both Glasgow and Edinburgh have won the right to stay open despite council

demands that they should close.

The current approach lacks any exit strategy. The fact that there is no aspiration for a genuine Level 0 is

disturbing. For an indefinite period we will oscillate between the five levels.

Lockdowns do not stop the disease.

They postpone some infections until lockdown ends. Infections are growing rapidly in every country where a

lockdown has been imposed. We are continuing to pursue a failed policy.

Covid-19 is going to be with us long-term. The government's scientific advisers have consistently said that

lockdowns only buy time. The virus will still be there when time is up. The only plan seems to be to wait for a

vaccine. We do not know when that will be or if it will be effective. In any event a vaccine is likely to confer only a

partial and temporary immunity, and then not on everyone.

If a total lockdown of several months did not work, why would the five-level system do any better?

The restrictions and the uncertainty prevent citizens from regulating their affairs. Businesses cannot operate

viably.

Disproportionate policies are creating more pain in people's lives than the virus itself.

Everyone is experiencing a significant degree of lockdown. But it isn't stopping the virus, protecting the vulnerable

or leading to herd immunity.

With censorship, propaganda and restriction of freedom, Scotland is increasingly resembling a totalitarian regime.

Niall McCluskey is an advocate specialising in criminal law and human rights; Christian McNeill is a writer and

former tribunal judge and advocate DETAILS

Subject: Restrictions; Vaccines; Coronaviruses; Censorship; COVID-19

Location: Scotland

Publication title: The Daily Telegraph; London (UK)

First page: 7

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: Oct 31, 2020

Section: News

Publisher: Daily Telegraph

Place of publication: London (UK)

Country of publication: United Kingdom, London (UK)

Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals--Great Britain

ISSN: 03071235

Source type: Newspapers

Language of publication: English

Document type: News

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Copyright: Copyright Daily Telegraph Oct 31, 2020

Last updated: 2020-10-31

Database: ProQuest Central