Dying by numbers
If we follow Spain and France, and test and trace doesn’t improve, the mood on the Tory backbenches is likely to shift towards a Sweden-style solution.
With the 10pm curfew starting tomorrow, Sunak’s “imaginative” measures will need to come within days
The Chancellor has refused to extend his furlough scheme. Could a German-style system be what comes next?
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Puritans try to smash Johnson’s images
Starmer exposed factual contradictions in the PM’s statements: the PM preferred to defend Dido Harding, a damsel in distress.
Covid. Mass lockdowns v a Swedish option is a flawed choice. But if Ministers can’t make mass testing work, it’s the one we’ll have.
More tests, quick tracing, quarantine and mini-shutdowns if necessary (not the closure of whole cities and metropolitan areas) are the best-in-class solution.
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Opposition to new national lockdowns is growing on the Conservative backbenches
Over a third of those who asked a question during a Hancock statement yesterday were to some degree resistant to such shutdowns.
Coronavirus powers – and why the time has come for Parliament to have a bigger say in their control
During the last Parliament, the legislature tried to act as the executive. Now, there is a danger of the pendulum swinging too far the other way.
If Conservative MPs are so restive now, how will they react if Labour sustains a poll lead?
Despite the horrorshow commentary in the Tory press about the Government, the Conservatives cling to their poll lead – just.
Sasha Swire’s diaries. Truth about the Cameron years – but not the whole truth. Not by a long shot.
It is easy to forget that until he left Downing Street he was the second most electorally successful post-war Tory leader.
Curfews will accelerate the decline of the nightlife industry
Bars, restaurants and clubs are already affected by de facto curfews; the country has some of the earliest closing times in Europe.
Protecting British troops may be Johnson’s next clash with his ‘rule of law’ opponents
The post-war system of international law is constantly evolving – it is inevitable, and justified, for government attitudes and approaches to evolve in turn.
What could give the Government a sense of purpose – and chances to achieve? Making Gove Deputy Prime Minister.
Johnson needs a Simon Milton figure in government. The move would be controversial, to put it mildly. But who else is there?
Plan A for schools is in danger of breaking down. So we need a Plan B for schools – online.
It would require a guarantee of teaching, backed up by inspections, and computers for children whose parents can’t afford them.
More testing woes for the Government – as laboratories are stretched to capacity
Although it must be remembered that the UK is still carrying out more tests than many other countries.
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: A better day for Johnson, who refuses to go grouse shooting
Starmer’s absence permitted the Prime Minister to relax, and to strike a kinder, gentler tone.