Shouldn't we all be mindful that this war in the Middle East isn't going away any time soon and plan our trips and holidays very carefully?
Yes, I think so. Quite apart from the risk of flight cancellations and disruption to travel plans there is a strong chance that prices will rise and there will be shortages of many things, and even the possibility of rationing if the war drags on. In some ways, rationing of air miles, diesel and petrol is probably better brought in sooner as later, as if people carry on as we are doing we will run out faster.
It's not just holidays - we import so much, and it makes sense to think about where the things we (as individuals) buy have come from, and whether there are alternatives we could switch to. We (my husband and I🫅) have a mostly vegetarian diet, for instance, and a lot of the vegetables we eat are Mediterranean in origin. I don't relish the thought of eating turnips at every meal, but if needs must, I'd rather have some decent recipes to hand.
There is talk of medical shortages too. There may be little we can do about that, but again, where there are alternatives to some of the things we are used to taking, it would pay to find out about them before it's urgent.
At this stage though, all we can reasonably do is keep a watching brief and trust that those who have more information will make sensible arrangements to conserve essentials and ensure a certain amount of fairness if distribution has to be controlled.
It's all so unnecessary, isn't it?
He has done it! The toolmakers son has resigned!
Good Morning Monday 22nd June 2026
