Indeed there was frost overnight, and the temperature went below zero for the first time this year. One piece of welcome brexit news arrived in the news with the announcement of an agreement between Spain and Britain about cross border arrangements in Gibraltar. Discussions about sovereignty are on hold for the moment, but cross border co-operation is in the best economic and social interests both sides. Gib is a key contributor to the regional economy, due to the reach of its legal and financial services industry. Many local Spanish people cross the frontier to work there. I think it's less last minute than it appears to be, but nothing could be formally agreed and announced until brexit legislation had been passed European and British parliaments.
If there was any prospect of Gibraltar reverting to Spanish ownership would she have been able to afford such a large strategic naval base, vital to the stability and security of the Mediterranean region? Changing the present status quo isn't in anyone's interests. The brexit bill ensures a large measure of co-operation not only on matters of security, but campaigning against organised crime and terrorism. Common sense has prevailed, thankfully.
Despite the chaotic governmental response to the pandemic crisis throughout this year and unmasking of structural racism and poverty hiding behind the mask of an egalitarian liberal society putting Britain to shame globally, there have been many good things to celebrate about 2020. The crisis has shaken very large number of people out of selfish somnolence and awakened them to the blessing of really caring for each other, making sacrifices for the common good, and not in war or in pursuit of wealth. We can rejoice in the high quality of scientific research which has revealed both the nature of the virus, innovative kinds of treatment, and now vaccines.
Progress has been made in one year that might normally take four to five years, if not longer. It's a year which has seen a huge resurgence in volunteer activity, and there's no doubt in my mind that the pace of progress in medicine science is due to people working insane hours, putting their own health and sanity at risk from exhaustion. The realisation that 'my welfare exists in looking after your welfare: because you are I am' - the Ubuntu principle, crossing generations, religion race and culture is renewing community, also moral and social awareness and a long avoided debate about the kind of future we really want.
Much of the change of awareness is the fruit of disrupted personal, familial, and working routines under lock-down. We've had to stop, look, listen, and above all think more deeply, question more courageously what life is all about. It's not led to a major religious revival, but perhaps to a re-valuation of authentic spirituality and discernment of lies, folly and deceit. I hope and pray this will impact on Britain's political life long term and lead us to government which honestly, unselfishly and effectively works to eliminate inequality, prejudice and xenophobia. Then we may be better equipped to re-enter the European Union. By then I believe it will have begun to reform itself and work even more effectively for the common good.
The park was busy with people, despite the cold weather this afternoon. There were big clouds at sunset, and with the temperature going down below zero, I wonder if we'll wake up to snow in the morning? Lots of encouraging and hopeful messages being exchanged today with family, friends, colleagues, church members, everyone's making the effort. No partying tonight, except on telly, and secretly among those who think defying the law and ignoring the common good is a personal right.
Early evening we watched on Sky Arts the short comedy movie 'Dinner for One' that we first encountered in Switzerland. It's a two hander, made in English by two British actors better known in Europe than in the UK, as it's been obligatory to view this as part of New Year's Eve festivities since it was made back in the 1960s in Scandinavia, Switzerland, and Germany where it was made for the North German TV. It's a classic sketch about a waiter who gets drunk while serving dinner, featuring the brilliant clowning of Freddie Frinton. It wasn't until 2018 that it was screened for the first time as a New Year's Eve special on Sky Arts. A nice little touch for the night we leave the EU. We need something to laugh about, when there has been so much to reduce us to tears this year. Then a BBC iPlayer gala concert of operatic music performed recently at Covent Garden, live without an audience, all socially distanced. Singers were on stage, the orchestra occupied the entire stalls area, and the Royal Opera House chorus occupied spaces on two floors of the surrounding balcony seats. Some powerful performances by outstanding singers, most of whose names I don't know.
After a break from TV to share these thoughts, it's time to count down to 2021. Time flies by so very fast the older I get.
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