Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: Sunak induces sleep, but in his hair a few more streaks of grey appear
As the Chancellor launched his Bounce Back Loan, no one was able to ruffle his self-possession, or even tried seriously to do so.
The Prime Minister could not conceal the fact that an easing of the shutdown is coming soon
Our reading of his statement is that he intends to sketch out a plan before the first May Bank Holiday rather than after it.
The Scapecock
The Health Secretary’s defence of his department’s pro-lockdown stance has made him a target for those who want it eased.
Imagine a Cabinet Minister claiming that the Government is “guided by the economics”
The decision that Boris Johnson must make after his return this week is and can only be political – not scientific.
Unblocking the loans scheme traffic jam
The Chancellor is set to build a relief road to get round the present pile-up of Government, banks and business.
The latest track and trace plan is a significant shift in strategy
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer previously said the method was not appropriate for the UK.
What Conservative MPs told us about the lockdown’s future. The consensus is for a gradual easing.
But there is no simple split between the Left and Right of the Party, and no sense of rebellion, at least yet.
Why it’s too soon to pronounce on the number of people who’ve died in Britain of the Coronavirus
The effectiveness of such Government strategies as the lockdown can only be assessed after a mass of variables are controlled for.
Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: Poor taste as the Business Committee tries to scrutinise Sharma
Our politicians seem determined, as they appear by videolink, to look like so many captives, held against their will in attics and basements.
Responding to the challenge of two million unemployed people – and maybe more
There are two groups who are particularly exposed: those who have recently lost their jobs, and younger people.
Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: The new Opposition leader begins, in a quiet way, to set the agenda
The new Leader of the Opposition looked more at ease than the First Secretary of State, Dominic Raab, standing in for Boris Johnson.
Over a billion PPE items isn’t “shambolic”. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer was right. We need a more adult conversation about PPE.
From medical equipment, to herd immunity, to data collection, everything has been reduced and given no nuance.
Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: A diminution of our body politic at which the hairs on Rees-Mogg’s head protested
The Commons agreed to hold virtual sittings, but admitted that these will greatly impair its ability to hold the Government to account.
Parliament returns today. Don’t expect it to pile pressure on the Government. At least until early May.
It appears that there will be no votes until next week. After that, the May Bank Holiday looms. In any event, MPs will be feeling their virtual way.
Johnson, the Sunday Times and the virus. The Remainer losers have learnt nothing from the EU referendum and last year’s election.
It may be significant that the one person who doesn’t seem to be making their mistake is Keir Starmer.