Comment

Alex Crowley: Why is a Conservative Government excluding two million microbusiness owners from financial support?

The Small Business Grant scheme should cover these businesses – and the furloughing plan allow sole company directors to work.

Benedict Rogers: Ten steps towards a more humane post-pandemic China policy

There can be no return to ‘business as usual’ with the Communist Party. Here’s how Britain can play a leading role in holding them to account.

Caroline Johnson: Ministers must commit to Britain’s global role this World Immunisation Week

The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the greatest crises to face any Government in living memory – but it cannot be fought on the home front alone.

Emma Mi and Ella Mi: We’re acute unit doctors. Here’s why we believe that individual action, not government, is key to beating the virus.

Of course our employers should provide us with safety equipment. But as health and care workers, we also need to think about how to help ourselves.

Jethro Elsden: We will need radical Thatcherite supply-side economic reform to get us out of this mess

The only alternative to more austerity is to prioritise higher growth above all other aims – such as regional rebalancing or the net zero emissions target.

George Freeman: Hancock’s critics will look for failures in his 100,000 test goal. But his ambition will drive Britain forward.

Used properly, stretch targets have the effect of galvanising the level of culture change, ambition, pace and delivery which is needed.

David Davis: The Government’s track and trace scheme needs a volunteer army if the lockdown is to end any time soon

It will require up to 50,000 people, not 18,000. Or else we’re set to be in shutdown for the duration – with baleful economic consequences.

Dean Godson: How the Conservatives divide on policy towards China

As with Brexit, much of the Tory family finds itself pitted against the permanent State on how Britain aligns itself in the world.

Aidan Shilson-Thomas: The Job Retention Scheme was an excellent intervention. But it needs changes – fast.

‘Short-time’ working is the Chancellor’s best bet for weaning employers off state support.

Richard Holden: The virus, this pandemic, and how to respond. The public gets it. But the media doesn’t.

It’s time for a little less sensationalism – and a lot more steady and serious journalism.

Hiten Ganatra: The Covid-19 mortgage and rental payment holiday could exacerbate problems for tenants and landlords

Policies and legislation over the years have made letting a deeply unattractive prospect – with renters feeling the effects.

Liam Fox: How to assess virus death rates properly. Those making make simplistic judgements are unlikely to enhance their reputations.

Figures from national reported statistics suggest that the UK is in the middle of the range – above Germany & America but below Belgium & Spain.