Economist Podcasts Fool Britannia? A covid-19 response under scrutiny
May 13, 2020
Emma Duncan, Britain's editor for The Economist, scrutinizes the UK's controversial COVID-19 response and its impact on the nation's global reputation. Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent, discusses the unsettling shutdown of ABS-CBN in the Philippines and its dire implications for press freedom under Duterte's regime. Meanwhile, Mike Reed draws parallels between contemporary issues and the 1950s Argentinian novel 'Zama,' exploring themes of waiting and solitude that resonate in today's Latin America. It's a captivating mix of politics and literature!
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Confused Messaging on Lockdown
- The UK government's shift from "stay at home" to "stay alert" has caused confusion.
- This unclear messaging, along with other missteps, has drawn criticism and international scrutiny.
Criticism of UK's COVID-19 Response
- The UK government's COVID-19 response has faced criticism for inconsistent policies and communication.
- This includes abandoning and restarting testing programs and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
International Scrutiny of UK's Response
- International perception of Britain's handling of the COVID-19 crisis is negative.
- Asian parents with children studying in Britain expressed concern, and European and American media outlets criticized the government's response.
