Britain's government is exploiting fear to suit its actions, whether on Covid or terrorism | Simon Jenkins

The last refuge of the populist – the politics of fear – is being shamelessly deployed by both Priti Patel and Boris Johnson

The home secretary told me this week that I faced a terrorist threat that was “severe” and an incident that was “highly likely”. I should be “alert”, she said.

What is the difference between likely and highly likely? Should I fear to leave home? Should I run for my life if I see a man with a backpack? Priti Patel also tells me to be “not alarmed”. So why does she try to sca...