The Council received a Government grant of £12.2 million to refurbish the old Swimming Baths. Labour decided they would use the funding as a contribution towards building a new Leisure Centre which in addition would require borrowing of over £20 million.
The elements that came together to see a Conservative elected Mayor in 2008 – a national mood turning against Labour, a near-celebrity candidate in the as-yet-untarnished form of Boris Johnson, and a radical and increasingly unpopular incumbent – are not currently at hand.
In Labour-run Hackney, al fresco dining and drinking is banned after 10pm. In Labour-run Westminster, al fresco dining and drinking remains banned in Soho.
It might seem far-fetched that one could face jail for eating steak frites. But one could have said the same about not eating at least a scotch egg with your pint.
It was superb to see responsible local businesses investing, and ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for their customers.
While pubs and restaurants are happy with the Government’s latest move, there has been backlash from the sports industry.
A limited suspension is one thing, lasting change would be another. And so often, nothing is so permanent as the temporary.
It would be a sad irony if we chose to shut down the international connectivity on which so much of our prosperity depends.
What about the impact on domestic violence, with everyone stuck in their own homes? And on those with serious but non-life threatening health problems?
As Milton Friedman once quipped, we could increase employment by making those working on government construction projects use spoons instead of shovels.
Landowners should be allowed wider permission to open temporary campsites over the whole summer season.