The ongoing situation of Covid-19 and its much-discussed effect on our freedom has me referring to a record

I kept of political restrictions on our lives in the recent past.  How about these as a reminder of how they can

appear and mount up over time - for reasons that are often worryingly spurious and populist in origin.

Firearm certificate holders banned.

Fox hunting traditions outlawed.

Deer hunting traditions outlawed.

Smoking outlawed in pubs etc..

Protests within 1/2 mile of Parliament outlawed.

Musical performances in pubs without a licence outlawed.

 Drinking alcohol in streets outlawed.

Army to "police" streets.

Community Patrol Officers appear.

Congestion charges levied on motorists in central London (now extended).

Parking restriction hours and charges extended.

NHS budgets restricted.

Police budgets restricted - criticised as "too low for "parliamentary workload".

Police and fire stations closed.

Police officers' accommodation closed and sold off.

Restrictions on trials by jury- fraud and terrorism offences..

Reigious dissent and free speech curtailed.

Proposals for patient records on "national (central) computer".

MRSA appears in hospitals.

Successive government policies affect protection of the public (parole boards regularly release murderers).

Covid-19 arrives - and takes us into new territory.that sees a whole new range of imposed restrictions.

We might well ask - who is ensuring the retention and well-being of our so-called "freedom"?