The Intelligence from The Economist Fool Britannia? A covid-19 response under scrutiny
May 13, 2020
Emma Duncan, Britain editor for The Economist, unpacks the UK's troubled COVID-19 response, revealing its reputational fallout both domestically and internationally. She discusses the confusing messaging from the government, particularly the switch from 'stay at home' to 'stay alert', which has only added to public frustration. The impacts extend beyond borders, with Duncan highlighting how Britain's pandemic management threatens its global influence on pressing issues like human rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on press freedom challenges in the Philippines and the rich themes of an Argentinian novel that resonate today.
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Confusing Messaging
- The UK government's new COVID-19 slogan, "Stay alert," has caused confusion.
- People are unsure what it means in practice, unlike the clear "Stay at home" message.
Inconsistent Policies
- The UK government's COVID-19 response has faced criticism for inconsistent policies.
- This includes abandoning and restarting testing programs and PPE shortages.
Declining Public Support
- Public support for Boris Johnson initially surged but has declined due to perceived government missteps.
- Britons believe the UK's COVID-19 response has been worse than most countries except America.
