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At last. We finally have the prospect of once again living in a free society based on personal responsibility rather than one where hitherto mundane daily rituals are prohibited by the

state. “We can say that our long national hibernation is beginning to come to an end,” announced the Prime Minister. Suitably enough it will happen on “Independence Day”. Some restrictions

have already been eased. Others will remain after July 4th. But it does feel like a breakthrough. That the crisis is more or less over. Even the press conferences have stopped. Yet there is

no great mood of euphoria. Boris Johnson’s reference to hibernation is apt. It reflects a sleepy, hesitant response many have shown to being released from captivity. Claims that policy is

following “the science” are not credible. Firstly, because “the” science is all over the shop. Many predictions have proved way off the mark, including, thankfully, Professor Neil Ferguson’s

flawed computer modelling which had projected half a million British deaths. There is no consensus. Thus the boffins have ended up with different conclusions — on whether face masks are of

any use, on whether social distancing should be one metre or two, and, even, on whether the rude policy of a general lockdown was effective at all. Secondly, politicians can’t just follow

“the science” even if such a thing did exist. Such advice must be balanced with other considerations such as social and economic well being. Thirdly, and most importantly, the views of

scientists are trumped by those of the public. This has been the most important constraint. If the Government really only cared about “the science” why is Downing Street spending so much

money on focus groups and polling? Some have been exasperated by the Government timidity. The argument — from business leaders and many Tory MPs — is that a proportionate approach,

considering the emerging evidence from here as well as from other countries, would have meant liberalising more quickly. Yet while the Prime Minister acknowledges he has been taking “baby

steps” he has still been ahead of public opinion. He has expressed surprise at how acquiescent the public was at having their freedom removed and how resistant they are to getting it back.

The spirit of nervousness has been illustrated by the reopening of schools. There has been plenty of evidence to show not merely that children are of minimal risk to themselves but are also

highly unlikely to spread the virus. Yet many children who could return to school have been kept at home by their parents. Contrast this with the indulgence shown to the large Black Lives

Matter demos. Lots of references were made, including by the PM, to a “right to peaceful protest”. Such comments forgot that this has been suspended. Public gatherings of over six are

banned. Even inciting such gatherings is an offence. But political sensitivities meant no attempt was made to enforce the law. Despite the substantial flouting of “social distancing” there

is no sign of the demo prompting a “second wave” of coronavirus. In London, where the largest number were marching, the virus has been rapidly disappearing.