The Great British Public

~ beetleypete

Yesterday, the pubs in Britain could open for the first time in three months. People were naturally advised to be careful. Keep social distancing, obey the restricted numbers inside bars, and take some responsibility for their actions.

In Central London, this was the result.

Such pig-ignorance, and utter disrespect for all those who have died, and the essential workers and medical staff who have sacrificed so much since January.

Entitlement. Selfishness.

Those two words should be added to the flag of the United Kingdom.

92 thoughts on “The Great British Public”

  3. What I suspected all along is now fact . . we live in a senseless society. The same thing is happening here. It is maddening. Not even a mask, would work in that crowd. I say a mask is now a sign of ones’ IQ! At home and careful, Michele

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  5. That photo could have been taken in many parts of the United States. Many young people are now in the hospitals across the United States having learned that they too can catch the virus.

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    1. My wife is going to the hairdresser tomorrow. The girl will wear a face shield and gloves, and Julie has to pay £3 extra for a disposable towel, face mask, and wipes. There are no refreshments allowed, and no magazines. Conversation has to be kept to a minimum too.
      Those fools who went to the pubs in various towns and cities last night and congregated in crowds are just criminally irresponsible. We are still more or less operating a personal lockdown, though Julie has had to go to work, as she works for our doctor.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  7. Hello Pete! It’s everywhere. Someone shared Kolkata’s pictures of Bus Transport. Ideally, they should have 3 people in one line 21 people in the bus. In reality there were 70, at least. People were nearly hanging off the door, mocking the sign which cautioned people abt social distancing.

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  9. Pete, as most of our states are seeing surges or upticks in cases, our President says it’s over and harmless to 99% of us…I wonder if he checked in with a SINGLE ONE of the 130,000 families of the dead…of course he didn’t. Your photo is shocking and replicated here in the US all across the country as well…

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      1. Pete, I get the frustration – our economy tanked and millions were hurt…but a massive surge is all we have to show for our quarantine effort because people have no patience…sad times

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  15. The UK and the US really aren’t showing their best sides through this. You’re embarrassed to be be British, I’m embarrassed to be American. Well, to be honest I’ve been embarrassed to be American for the last four years. Seriously though, citizens are mimicking their “leaders” words and actions. Trump came out yesterday and said the virus is harmless in 99% of the cases. So there you have it Pete. We can all rest easy now.

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      2. I’m in despair as an ex-pat Brit surviving in the US. I was dismissed as paranoid months ago and fear where this pandemic is heading. The irresponsible behaviour is global. Is this how the human race destroys itself – through ignorance?

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        1. The infection is on the increase in South America, Africa, Russia, and other regions. I suspect we are only at the start of it, and the ‘relaxation’ of lockdown is probably 6-12 months too early. Along with ignorance, let’s not forget corparate greed, and profit lust. They are what is driving the return to ‘normal’.
          Take care, Roland.
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  18. It is total lack of respect and total disregard for the lives of others. But I have always said, until it hits home, there will be no realization for some. How easily people can allow their minds to be manipulated. It’s a frightening reality. It won’t be long until more health professionals just give up.

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  19. Perhaps they’re all so confident because they’ve had it already (it would be helpful if those who think they have but aren’t sure could access a test to find out).
    On the other hand, if these are the next tranch of people who will get it, think of it as natural slection.

    We all know by now how to remain careful; that’s up to us.
    Every mother knows there is no point making rules that can’t be enforced. It merely weakens your authority and encourages your children to ignore you.

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    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Cathy. Worth noting that across the other side of London last night, ‘Riot’ Police broke up an ‘illegal’ street party attended by large numbers of black people. Yet the predominantly white crowds in Soho were left alone, flouting the same rules. The authorities need to have one system of rules and enforce them for everyone, in order to avoid criticsm of racial bias all the time.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  20. Much more important to get people back into pubs than children back into schools. We are British after all – nothing more important than sharing a pint together. Let’s just hope these idiots don’t take the virus home to granny! If I was a nurse seeing this I’d seriously considered resigning.

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      1. I know. Heartbreaking. And they are not thinking of those who still do not have the freedom to go anywhere, let alone to a pub. And why other countries would want us visiting them I have no idea! I’d like to stop everybody from leaving their own county for at least a year.

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  23. There has been outrage on some FB sites as many of us here in Spain are dreading the arrival of the Brits who are now flooding in in such numbers. It may give the hospitality industry a boost but at what cost? I for one wish they would stay away until UK’s figures come down.

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    2. I avoided package holidays for years, because the behaviour of so many British people abroad was boorish and embarrassing. I even used to pretend to be French, German, or Dutch!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  25. I just feel so angry Pete. Not only that though – tearful as well, because they are putting us who are shielded in danger of never getting out to meet others, even in a park or something. Through their utter selfishness, others are suffering horribly.

    My brother told us that some of the men he employs were going to Leeds on a pub crawl last night. From Scunthorpe. A damned PUB CRAWL. He considered telling them not to bother going into work again, but he didn’t. I think I would have. I don’t know how bad the virus is in Leeds, but it is very bad in many Yorkshire towns/cities. Looks like we are going to be in lockdown here next, if this continues. I do not have much faith in our general population, sadly, after what we have seen. KFC here, the minute it re opened had the car park and surrounding area inches deep in litter. Again my brother told us this. Uprooted seats around a beautiful lake in our town where people go fishing, and where narture lovers go. I too am ashamed to be English.

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    1. This year has really brought out the bad side of so may thoughtless and arrogant English people. I am just glad I am already old, and will not have to grow old with such morons around me.
      Best wishes, Pete. x

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      1. I have thought exactly the same Pete. Some have said that this will have changed our country for the better, with more of a sense of community, and a new caring for others. As my brother says though, and I agree, people will revert to type in the end. I wonder if we ever will come out of this virus though, and be normal again.

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        1. Yes, Londoners are irresponsible. But last week so were the people in Liverpool, and all those who went to the beach in Bournemouth. If other towns ‘behaved’, then good for them.
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  29. The photo looks as if everyone is under 30 the supposed bullet proof generation…… At least one is wearing a mask
    We had someone escape (yes escape by climbing a wall) from govt funded managed isolation/quarantine, by doing this the police officers who found and arrested her now have to self isolate, thats 5 police out of action and the word is only “consider laying charges” go figure that one.
    I know it must be tough to be put up into a 4-5 star hotel in Auckland with I believe all expenses paid but 14 days isolation is probably not too much to ask from the country that has found a way to repatriate citizens and residents.
    Keep safe Pete

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    1. New Zealand has done so well to contain the virus, I think they should lock people up in quarantine, not give them 5-star hotels to wander out of. There is no hope for England, given the behaviour on the beaches and inner-city streets lately.
      Take care old friend.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. Restaurants may be a lot safer, with fewer tables, and staff waiting on you. I usually only go to pubs to eat, (Many of the best restaurants in Norfolk are in pubs) so I will be avoiding them until next year, at least. People in this country just cannot be trusted to behave, especially with alcohol on board.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. This was in Soho of course, but other places around the country had older drinkers pictured in groups. Those young people in Old Compton Street will be taking the virus home, and into work. They are the ones guilty of spreading it, and they will be responsible for the inevitable second wave. Shameful.
      Thanks, Stevie.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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      1. Indeed. It’s not until they’ve caught the virus that they’ll realise they should have been more careful. You can’t put old heads on young shoulders, nor it appears on some middle-aged ones either

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  32. Pete, here in some places we are restarting the confinement again. In many cases it seems to be families meeting in large number or celebrating events, but it doesn’t bear thinking about. I wonder if there are any deserted islands going…

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