Economist Podcasts Lock step: England to shut down, again
Nov 2, 2020
Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent, and Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia's expert, dive into the UK's sudden shift towards a second lockdown amid rising COVID-19 cases. They discuss the political fallout for Boris Johnson and the economic ramifications, including the work furlough scheme. In Myanmar, they highlight the looming election's battle against Facebook-fueled misinformation, particularly impacting marginalized communities. The conversation also touches on the rising popularity of political biographies, showcasing a societal shift in reading interests.
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Political Costs of U-Turn
- Boris Johnson's U-turn on a second lockdown demonstrates the difficult balance between public health and political strategy.
- The rising caseload forced his hand despite previous assurances, highlighting the evolving nature of the pandemic.
SAGE Advice and Lockdown Reversal
- The government's scientific committee, SAGE, advised a lockdown in September, which was initially rejected.
- Now, facing an overwhelmed NHS, the government reversed its decision, causing political tension.
Public Support and Trust
- Public support for the lockdown is high despite political divisions, providing some relief for Johnson.
- However, his previous overly optimistic predictions might undermine public trust.
