HN user
I just say that China or India (to put two bulky examples) have terrible civil rights AND environmental protection history and yet they aren't featured under a negative light on a daily basis in media.
Russia is required to behave under first world standards when it comes to their commitments, but it's relegated to third world when it comes to participating in global leadership/trade.
It's what people demanded. UK is still in semi-lockdown, with only 30% of office workers returning to the office. UK proposed a more relaxed approach at the start but backfired in the public opinion. Now, here's the arithmetic result of forcing people in their homes.
Also, UK relies heavily on services, international business, students, tourism, all heavily hit, so that increases the pain of a travel and mobility freeze.
Agreed, playing politics for marketing purposes shouldn't be free.