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Hello and welcome to Spectator Out Loud. Every week, a few of our favourite writers read out

their pieces for you. This week, we're going to be joined by the broadcaster Jonathan

Dimbleby who writes the diary. We're also going to be joined by the German journalist Katya

Hoyer who talks about the German Green Party and how well they're doing in the polls. And finally,

Melissa Kite about why she's perfectly content to stay in the country this summer.

First is Jonathan Dimbleby.

I've just had my second jab, and it poses a dilemma.

As an assiduous COVID rule taker, I've been appalled by those, including friends and relatives,

who flouted or sidestepped the regulations and guidelines in the belief that they don't

apply to them. We know we shouldn't, but it's good for us, or we use our common sense, they say.

Since the issue is as in centurious Brexit, I have fumed in silence. Of course, the rules are anomalous

and inadequately explained by ministers, but I tend to trust the scientists.

That said, the mantra, no one is safe until we're all safe, is clearly nonsensical.

Unlike those who are still waiting, I am now as safe as I'm ever going to be.

Hence my dilemma. I long to hug my grandchildren,

but that would still be to violate the rules. I'm tempted to use my common sense. After all,

it will be good for me, and it is all about me, isn't it? It's now exactly two years

since I told the BBC that I was giving up

chairing Radio 4's flagship debate programme any questions. I'm still asked if I regret it,

to which I always answer truly that I don't. After 32 years of Lost Fridays, I wanted to

liberate myself from the BBC's impartiality protocols, important as these are,

...