Across the UK, online, on DAB and on your smart speaker, the Independent Republic of Mike Graham on Talk Radio.

Good morning and welcome to the Independent Republic of Mike Graham right here on Talk Radio.

We have this morning something of

a dilemma, ladies and gentlemen, because it is time to take stock of exactly where we are

in the divided world of COVID-19. And how best to deal with the damage that it is doing to the

very fabric of our society as well as to the health of our nation. Yesterday it was revealed that more than

four million people have now received their first vaccine against the virus, which is great news

and must be applauded. But there are at least another four million people, if not twice that

number, suffering unbearable pain, incredible hardship and mental anguish of the worst kind

due to the effects of a 10-month-long lockdown of one form or another.

We all heard Karen this morning talking through tears from Scotland to Julia Hartley-Bruhe about her hopes and fears for her family.

Another woman talking about her daughter and worries about suicidal youngsters.

She speaks for the many, not a few.

She also speaks for all the young people who are

suffering through these tough times. Today, the Prince's Trust has warned that the coronavirus

crisis has taken a devastating toll on teenagers and young adults, with many losing hope for the

future, with some even incapable of contemplating it. One in four youngsters, they report,

feel unable to cope with life,

isolated from their loved ones and their friends, and with many unable to see beyond their

current employment or unemployment. It is, ladies and gentlemen, no way to live. And it's not

just youngsters, it's people with businesses as well. It's people who have been trying to make

money throughout this dreadful pandemic. People who have in some

...