Sturgeon’s walking lockdown tightrope
THE path out of full lockdown was never going to be easy – and yesterday we were given an indication of just how tough it might prove.
In a televised statement last night, Boris Johnson spelt out in some detail his plan for emerging from seven gruelling weeks of severe restrictions.
Certain workers will be encouraged to return to work if they can, although they shouldn’t use public transport to get there.
Meanwhile, unlimited exercise and even sunbathing are to be sanctioned, provided it is with members of the same household – and even socially distanced sporting activities.
In Scotland, it’s a different story: we can exercise more than once a day from today, but enjoying the sun in the park and playing sport are out. Nicola Sturgeon also poured scorn on the UK Government’s new slogan – urging the population to ‘stay alert’ – and dismissed it as ‘vague and imprecise’. Her argument that it dilutes the existing ‘crystal clear’ message underlining the importance of staying indoors is widely shared.
This cross-Border divergence is concerning because it risks widespread confusion: should Scots pay attention to the Prime Minister, or heed Miss Sturgeon’s advice? So much for leaving lockdown in lockstep with the rest of the UK.
The First Minister insists she has ‘zero interest’ in making political capital out of the situation – and it seems she had no advance knowledge of the new public health messaging south of the Border.
It’s imperative that all four nations of the UK are working in harmony, sharing expertise and aligning their guidance as far as practically possible.
Miss Sturgeon’s continuation of lockdown, with one minor change (and a tantalising hint about the possible re-opening of council tips and garden centres) also comes with risk.
The First Minister is walking a tightrope, holding the ‘stay at home’ line while the economy veers ever closer to the abyss.
Clarity of message is indeed paramount, but so too is evidence of a route out of this devastating paralysis which has driven businesses to the wall and brought public life grinding to a halt.
Miss Sturgeon’s motivation is clear, and she’s right to be cautious.
The First Minister cannot keep us in lockdown limbo for ever. For all our sakes we have to hope her judgment is sound.