EARLIER this month, veterans and their families took part in commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Churchill’s immortal words about the many owing so much to the few spoke the truth. This was a truly defining episode in our nation’s long and proud history, and we would not enjoy the liberties we have today without their hard-won triumph.

I don’t think it’s an over statement to say that we are at another watershed moment, in our current fight against coronavirus. This silent invisible enemy has already claimed 241 lives in Bury and over 40,000 across the country – that’s the same number of civilians who died in the Blitz.

In Bury, we’ve been under extra restrictions since July: but these measures have not had the desired aim of bringing down the infection rate, which is continuing to rise.

For us to avoid going into lockdown, three things need to happen to get the transmission rate down:

1. The Government needs to get a grip on testing. Too many people cannot get a test when they try to book using the national system, or are offered a test miles away. That’s why we’ve opened three walk-in testing centres across the borough to make it easier for our residents to get a test, with a target of seven sites by the end of next month. Testing is the cornerstone, and a lack of it undermines everything else being done to beat back the virus. Results also need to come back more quickly.

2. Track and trace must improve, as too many people are not being contacted. We have offered to run the system locally, using our own capacity and resources, because it’s become apparent that this is the only way it’s going to get better. I hope the Government will support us on this.

3. I understand people’s confusion and frustration about the rules. But we need everyone to make a real effort to follow the law and guidance - it’s our civic responsibility. You might think you’re invincible, but think about your local pub, or your local shop, if the Government orders another lockdown. Think of your mates who will lose their jobs, and your elderly relatives who may be isolated from their families. This isn’t virtual reality – real life actions have real life consequences.

If we are to defeat this virus, and save people’s lives and jobs, it will take more than actions of the few. It will take the actions of us all if we are to get back to normal and enjoy our hard-won freedoms.