The Chancellor’s statement. A firm second step – but he must go further to deliver “whatever it takes”.
The most significant part of his announcement was talks with employers and unions “to urgently develop new forms of employment support”.
Ryan Bourne: The upside-world of virus economics. And why we free marketeers must adapt our usual ways of thinking.
The theoretical aim of policy then should be bridging over what is hopefully a short pause in activity – eliminating near-term distress for households and businesses.
Daniel Hannan: The Coronavirus. Our instincts are likelier to push us into over-reacting than the reverse.
One of the most dangerous sequences in politics goes like this. “Something must be done. Here’s something. Let’s do it.”
John Hayes: The plan to impose abortion on demand on Northern Ireland by the end of this month – and why it should be stopped
To respect devolution, the UK Government must not impose such a drastic development on the Province. Is this a test run for England?
WATCH: Sunak declares that “we will do whatever it takes.” The Government’s Coronavirus press conference.
“We must act like any war time government, and do whatever it takes to support our economy.”
The economy and the virus. Tear up the rulebook – we need Big State Government on a scale unknown in modern times.
The implications of the crisis are such that Johnson and Sunak need not so much to think outside the box as to trample it to tatters altogether.
The Moggcast. The Government must tackle the virus with “evidence rather than emotion”.
Jacob Rees-Mogg on the Government’s strategy – and how MPs over 70 can use the pairing system to stay away from Parliament.
John Redwood: Why the Government’s response to the virus can’t be settled by the science – with decisions made by epidemiologists
Many of these matters can only be made on the basis of imperfect information. The advantage of the elected official making the ultimate decision is one of accountability.
Daily press conferences – and what should happen next
Needed during the coming weeks: a Government information campaign for older people, their families, employers and businesses.
Nadhim Zahawi: What we’re doing to help business through this crisis
As Minister of Business and Industry, I will be working every day with those most at risk – whether in hospitality, tourism or travel.
Richard Holden: How the Budget will help former Red Wall seats in the north – like the one I represent
The fact that Darlington station was explicitly addressed in his statement is a great sign of how swiftly the Chancellor has mastered the detail of his brief.
Johnson’s main aim: to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed
In this way, he hopes to minimise the loss of life among the most vulnerable and others that will now happen.
Roderick Crawford: The Government should move now to utilise hotel beds
The 200,000 hotel rooms run by the main hotel chains alone in the UK provide sufficient additional capacity to draw upon both locally and nationally.
Gove’s push for intellectual and regional diversity in public appointments
His recent announcement to the Commons suggests the Government may be making another effort to grasp a nettle which his predecessors have neglected.
Johnson’s extra virus mission. To help “save the world”.
Neither Trump, Merkel nor the EU institutions are showing the global leadership necessary. Over to a joint ticket of the Prime Minister and Macron.