[lynchdt]

Yeah, it’s really hard to be overly critical. You could argue the government did its civic duty here, public sentiment was overwhelming in favor of reduced restrictions.

Unfortunately, as detailed elsewhere in comments, enough of the populous didn’t respond in kind in fulfilling theirs - which is what the decision needed to work.

That said you could also argue this was predictable. Our diaspora are scattered about the globe, and coming home for Christmas is a common event and our UK border basically doesn’t exist. Similarly, folks who are originally from elsewhere in the EU flying home for Christmas then back.

Overlay the drinking/socializing culture, which hits its busiest period around December and watch the R number tip upwards.

Full disclosure: I agreed with this government decision at the time, but was quite surprised / shocked at the resultant case explosion.