It seems we and the ministers are confused.

On Monday, we were promised freedom, only to find that at least half a million people had already been ordered to self-isolate for 10 days.

I sincerely hope that this was an unintended consequence of government planning, rather than intention.

Fortunately, essential workers, including NHS staff, who have been double-stricken, are freed from this onerous burden.

For the rest of us, that won’t apply in mid-August.

Meanwhile, the “ping” is hurting our confidence and the economy.

The vaccines, which we have been repeatedly assured would set us free, are suddenly no longer the galloping white knight to the rescue.

Instead, we are now threatened with “vaccine passports,” which will be the first time in decades that access to certain places and major public events will be judged on the state of your health.

Ads haven’t been ruled out yet, and where next?

Universities? Schools?

For me, it’s crossing a line.

Coercion is not the way to go, even if it is an attempt to persuade young people to have the jab.

Parliament has already voted for all nursing jobs to be subject to vaccination.

I voted against.

It would seem that, rather than living with Covid, we are living with restrictions, and they are being enforced with increasing force.

The passport – proof of double vaccination – will inevitably be challenged by many members of the House of Commons and, no doubt, in the courts.

Constantly changing the rules to jeopardize our way through this pandemic is not the answer.

RICHARD DRAX

MP FOR SOUTH DORSET