I believe the time has now come when the needs of the economy has to overtake the virus. Back in March, the virus had to take priority over everything but we are now at a point where unless the government start doing some major U-turns, we will be sailing into one of the biggest recessions in a generation.
I'm actually starting to get the impression that Boris is making decisions on the basis that he will be gone from office by the time the full effects of economic problem really kick in. Its like his attitude is the here & now and future PMs will ultimately be left to rebuild our economy years down the line, when BJ has retreated to his country bolthole.
I agree that he might be doing that, which would be what I call "the David Cameron attitude", in other words, create a load of mess, then run away so someone else has to clean it up. This is also a major driver no doubt in why there is an increasing backbench rebellion brewing in the party, because they can't run away so easily and know the current path will damage both the country and their own party especially.
Andy Burnham is starting to head in the direction of economy over virus (he may already be there but in a different form to Tory members), where he doesn't accept further restrictions without support, so it's likely if he doesn't believe business and jobs are supported properly he'll either refuse or at least not support further restrictions.
In terms of what might force a major U-turn, the Barrington declaration is probably the best chance, given its scientific backing of an alternative strategy that has the economy and all other health conditions considered while still trying to combat Covid. It's already out before the end of furlough this month so there is time to try and u-turn, albeit it not much.
Deeply worrying. I am hearing more and more of good, well paid jobs being lost. Permanent destruction is now going on.
If the Government are aware of this they should be deeply worried for their future among their base voters, as many of them are unaware of the harsh realities of Universal Credit; if they are exposed it, that support is gone for good (the backbenchers probably are already aware).
