We need transparency about end of lockdown

At the latest Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, denied reports that a decision has been taken to reopen some schools on May 11. Earlier, Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, said that a “balanced judgment” would be taken about ending the lockdown, but that it was untrue that a traffic light strategy was taking shape in Whitehall to signal which sectors could open first.

Ministers, in other words, have told us what is not happening, but are reluctant to tell us what is. The country understands that there is no imminent relaxation in sight, but as time goes on it will become impatient for something more positive, especially when people see measures rescinded elsewhere. It would also be helpful to know some of the thinking behind the scenes. The secrecy of much that is taking place is unacceptable and it is to be hoped the return of Parliament this week will shine a light on some darker corners.

Transparency is important because people who know what they are doing but are not directly involved in policymaking might be able to guide the Government away from mistakes. But how will they be able to make their voices heard if no one knows what is going on?

Mr Gove, interviewed on the BBC by Andrew Marr, said no decisions had been made and yet went on to assert that hospitality venues would be among the last to have the restrictions lifted. These include the restaurants, wine bars, bistros, coffee shops, hotels and the whole gallimaufry of services that have embedded themselves in British culture in recent years, creating millions of jobs.

Given the nature of these businesses and the often itinerant nature of their employees, the chances are high that the owners will not wait around to reopen some time in the autumn. Even if they do, they will expect to find their custom a fraction of what it was. They need to start planning now, and since many are on the margins of profitability they will start laying off staff quite soon, unless the Government’s furlough scheme is extended. Will it be? And at what cost? If not, what happened to the concept of no one losing out for doing the right thing?

These are just some of the complexities involved in putting a smashed economy back together. The Government cannot exclude the people who run or work in these business from the debate about their future.