The politics of the lockdown

Ministers facing key dilemmas

TONIGHT’S WEEKLY tribute to NHS heroes and key workers will have added resonance as Boris Johnson remains seriously ill in hospital with coronavirus.

News of the Prime Minister’s admission, and transfer to intensive care, came in the wake of the Queen’s televised tribute to the NHS and others.

And while these remarkable gestures of goodwill do boost the nation’s morale, the third week of the UK lockdown is, understandably, beginning to test the patience of some as the Government tries to respond to the unfolding emergency.

It’s still important that the ‘stay at home’ mantra is fully observed as Ministers begin to review the lockdown ahead of an announcement next week on the length of its duration and any revisions.

Irrespective of political allegiances, Ministers were already facing a thankless task before Mr Johnson’s illhealth left a vacuum at the top of government.

However it is encouraging that Ministers are pulling together – as well as respecting Opposition parties – and responding positively to concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on charities and hospices.

But they can’t hide away from the fact that the shutdown is taking a terrible toll on the economy and that they will have to make difficult decisions, with or without Mr Johnson at the helm, on any easing of restrictions.

Here two considerations need to be taken into account. First, any new rules need to apply fairly to the whole country after some suggestions that London could be made a special case and prioritised.

Second, there are some sectors of the economy, like construction, where it would be relatively easy to resume some work while conforming to rules on social distancing. Yet such matters are for another day. In the meantime, tonight is our chance to show our support for the NHS – and also the Prime Minister – in this country’s hour of need.