conservativehome--2020-03-24--Andy Street: The concerns of UK businesses are being heard

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands , and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis .
Coronavirus is the gravest public health threat our nation has faced in generations .
It ’ s also correctly described by the Chancellor as an “ economic emergency ” .
The measures announced by Rishi Sunak on Friday night represented an unprecedented package of support for the business sector , employers and employees .
While the decision to close leisure businesses such as bars , gyms and cinemas will have disappointed some , it was unquestionably the right thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection .
Across sectors of business , there will have been a huge sense of relief as the Chancellor announced that the Government would cover 80 per cent of the wages of employees who are sent home , along with the deferment of VAT bills .
While economists are scrambling to model what the economic effects of the Virus may be , policy makers are having to act swiftly , and with imperfect information .
But what seems clear is that this setback will see the sharpest downturn we have ever experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it is also expected to be relatively short-lived .
This is in sharp contrast to the “ Financial crisis ” of 2008 where the shortfall was prolonged .
Therefore , if the intention is to bridge what may be a deep but hopefully narrow V-shaped valley then the policy moves are right .
Now the challenge is to deliver this package of fiscal support as quickly as possible , pumping money directly to where it is needed .
Let ’ s be clear , these measures do much more than support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people when they need it most .
Time is of the essence .
As our medical and scientific experts work tirelessly to deal with the infection , we must act with equal intent to immunise our economy from its side effects .
Here in the West Midlands this week I was made acutely aware that many businesses are facing a potentially catastrophic cashflow crisis , which has to be addressed if we are to protect the economy .
This week saw a meeting of the West Midlands Regional Economic Contingency Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders in a forum that feeds directly to central Government .
And the message I heard from local businesses was crystal clear : businesses well beyond the hospitality sector have seen a collapse in their order books .
From our biggest firms – such as JLR , which has just announced a three-week closure of its sites – to the smallest shops , we have to protect businesses and their employees .
There was a genuine welcome for the announcements that government had already made .
However , I heard two messages that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : First , the new loans and business rate holidays have got to come very , very quickly in particular to help larger businesses make their cash payments to small suppliers .
Second , it was clear that for some businesses loans are not the answer – the real issue is how we reduce the cost of their operations so they can maintain their businesses and hold on to as many people as they can through the crisis .
The pledge on Friday to defer VAT payments and cover 80 per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If we Conservatives are serious in our claim to be the party of business , now is the time for us to stand up and prove it – and I believe that the Prime Minister and Chancellor have done just that with their swift and bold actions .
I have confidence that the robust economy we have built in West Midlands will survive the crisis if cash is delivered to where it is needed , and I believe the people of the West Midlands have the resilience and fortitude to not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
We have faced real hardship before .
From the Coventry blitz to the mass lay-offs of the Seventies and Eighties , the people of this region have shown they will always overcome challenges .
It ’ s already happening .
Right now , community support groups are being set up by volunteers across the conurbation to help the vulnerable .
Social media is awash with local people reaching out to help their elderly neighbours and supporting the key workers who are so vital in the battle against Coronavirus .
Shopkeepers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop panic buying and ensure everyone is catered for .
This altruistic reaction comes despite the fact that people have until now found themselves pulled in two directions – should they follow advice to socially distance themselves or self-isolate , or worry about their livelihoods vanishing if they step away from the workplace .
Indeed , even after the landmark support measures announced on Friday some questions remain .
Self-employed and freelance workers have expressed concerns that they are less protected than others , and as I write this we await the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a hotbed of self-employment , and I am confident that a response will come .
A hallmark of the cool-headed , evidence-driven leadership shown by the Prime Minister throughout this crisis has been to react to each new challenge clearly and decisively .
Now , with Friday ’ s measures unveiled to the relief of bosses and workers everywhere , the real challenge is in the speed of delivery .
Businesses that have been told to shut their doors can not wait too long for cash .
Workers who have been sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income .
The health authorities have shown that we can move quickly and efficiently in reaction to this crisis .
Here in the West Midlands , we have some of the best hospitals in the country and our NHS workers are already going above and beyond to hold back the outbreak .
Preparations in the UK health service have been going on at speed since the first news emerged of a viral outbreak in China , back in December .
And at local government level the West Midlands has quickly pulled together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudley , Sandwell , Solihull , Walsall and Wolverhampton are working through the implications of the crisis for adult social care .
Our schools are keeping their doors open to look after the children of key workers .
As people stay at home , Transport for the West Midlands is introducing a restricted timetable that will ensure key workers and the vulnerable can still get around .
Across the nation , in all walks of life , we are learning that we will overcome coronavirus by working together .
Now the wheels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release the funds that will protect our economy from its side effects .

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands, and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis.
Coronavirus is the gravest public health threat our nation has faced in generations.
It’s also correctly described by the Chancellor as an “economic emergency”. The measures announced by Rishi Sunak on Friday night represented an unprecedented package of support for the business sector, employers and employees.
While the decision to close leisure businesses such as bars, gyms and cinemas will have disappointed some, it was unquestionably the right thing to do as we attempt to slow the spread of infection.
Across sectors of business, there will have been a huge sense of relief as the Chancellor announced that the Government would cover 80 per cent of the wages of employees who are sent home, along with the deferment of VAT bills.
While economists are scrambling to model what the economic effects of the Virus may be, policy makers are having to act swiftly, and with imperfect information.
But what seems clear is that this setback will see the sharpest downturn we have ever experienced.
Indeed, it could be deep, but it is also expected to be relatively short-lived. This is in sharp contrast to the “Financial crisis” of 2008 where the shortfall was prolonged. Therefore, if the intention is to bridge what may be a deep but hopefully narrow V-shaped valley then the policy moves are right.
Now the challenge is to deliver this package of fiscal support as quickly as possible, pumping money directly to where it is needed. Let’s be clear, these measures do much more than support businesses, they are providing a lifeline to people when they need it most. Time is of the essence.
As our medical and scientific experts work tirelessly to deal with the infection, we must act with equal intent to immunise our economy from its side effects.
Here in the West Midlands this week I was made acutely aware that many businesses are facing a potentially catastrophic cashflow crisis, which has to be addressed if we are to protect the economy.
This week saw a meeting of the West Midlands Regional Economic Contingency Group, which brings together business organisations and political leaders in a forum that feeds directly to central Government.
And the message I heard from local businesses was crystal clear: businesses well beyond the hospitality sector have seen a collapse in their order books.
From our biggest firms – such as JLR, which has just announced a three-week closure of its sites – to the smallest shops, we have to protect businesses and their employees.
There was a genuine welcome for the announcements that government had already made. However, I heard two messages that I will take back to government personally:
First, the new loans and business rate holidays have got to come very, very quickly in particular to help larger businesses make their cash payments to small suppliers.
Second, it was clear that for some businesses loans are not the answer – the real issue is how we reduce the cost of their operations so they can maintain their businesses and hold on to as many people as they can through the crisis.
The pledge on Friday to defer VAT payments and cover 80 per cent of some wage costs directly addressed these concerns.
If we Conservatives are serious in our claim to be the party of business, now is the time for us to stand up and prove it – and I believe that the Prime Minister and Chancellor have done just that with their swift and bold actions.
I have confidence that the robust economy we have built in West Midlands will survive the crisis if cash is delivered to where it is needed, and I believe the people of the West Midlands have the resilience and fortitude to not only withstand it but to bounce back afterwards too.
We have faced real hardship before. From the Coventry blitz to the mass lay-offs of the Seventies and Eighties, the people of this region have shown they will always overcome challenges.
It’s already happening. Right now, community support groups are being set up by volunteers across the conurbation to help the vulnerable.
Social media is awash with local people reaching out to help their elderly neighbours and supporting the key workers who are so vital in the battle against Coronavirus.
Shopkeepers are politely restricting the sales of items to stop panic buying and ensure everyone is catered for.
This altruistic reaction comes despite the fact that people have until now found themselves pulled in two directions – should they follow advice to socially distance themselves or self-isolate, or worry about their livelihoods vanishing if they step away from the workplace.
Indeed, even after the landmark support measures announced on Friday some questions remain.
Self-employed and freelance workers have expressed concerns that they are less protected than others, and as I write this we await the Government’s response.
The West Midlands is a hotbed of self-employment, and I am confident that a response will come.
A hallmark of the cool-headed, evidence-driven leadership shown by the Prime Minister throughout this crisis has been to react to each new challenge clearly and decisively.
Now, with Friday’s measures unveiled to the relief of bosses and workers everywhere, the real challenge is in the speed of delivery. Businesses that have been told to shut their doors cannot wait too long for cash. Workers who have been sent home cannot wait too long for income.
The health authorities have shown that we can move quickly and efficiently in reaction to this crisis.
Here in the West Midlands, we have some of the best hospitals in the country and our NHS workers are already going above and beyond to hold back the outbreak.
Preparations in the UK health service have been going on at speed since the first news emerged of a viral outbreak in China, back in December.
And at local government level the West Midlands has quickly pulled together. Our councils in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton are working through the implications of the crisis for adult social care.
Our schools are keeping their doors open to look after the children of key workers. As people stay at home, Transport for the West Midlands is introducing a restricted timetable that will ensure key workers and the vulnerable can still get around.
Across the nation, in all walks of life, we are learning that we will overcome coronavirus by working together. Now the wheels of Government must quickly hit top speed to release the funds that will protect our economy from its side effects.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct A

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority – and more

Eight years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party , compared to less than a third for the Conservatives .
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts , over time , the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number as Labour supporters .
To help remedy this , each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution , a wave of technological innovation is creating new industries , disrupting existing ones and transforming the way things are made and the way we live .
From AI-powered legal services to autonomous ships , new products , services and business models are emerging which don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its White Paper on Regulation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution , the Government committed to establishing a Regulatory Horizons Council ( RHC ) to identify the implications of technological innovation with high potential benefit for the UK economy and society and advise the government on regulatory reform needed to support its rapid and safe introduction.
” “ This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services , leading a sizeable and complex organisation .
There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under Andrew Bailey , the FCA has formulated a transformation programme , to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development : a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers ; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified ; [ and ] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal , and which takes advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.
” “ The Chief Executive will assume office at a time of unprecedented external change .
The political landscape in Europe and around the globe is altering with increasing pace and less predictability .
The British Council is also in constant transformation to deliver within funding constraints in a demanding , more client and customer-facing world .
The aims and goals of the British Council are more necessary than ever .
Delivering them in the complex world of 2020 is more difficult than at any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chief Executive in terms of vision , agility , ability to simplify and lead with clarity and purpose are substantial .
The Chief Executive will be instrumental in redefining both ‘ soft power ’ and ‘ cultural relations ’ at this pivotal moment and will help define the place of the United Kingdom , for the better , in a ‘ disrupted ’ and uncertain geopolitical world.
” Remuneration : Up to £150k per annum plus bonus to 8 per cent and Civil Service Pension “ The Coast to Capital Strategic Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , setting a vision for and overseeing delivery of economic prosperity for all in the Coast to Capital area , including through Government funding of projects through the Local Growth Fund .
They are accountable to the LEP Board and for the proper governance of the LEP .
Coast to Capital is seeking an influential and persuasive senior business figure from the C2C area to help lead the region and meet the ambitious vision set out in its strategic plan .
Currently chaired by Tim Wates , who will be stepping down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a diverse mix of regional business leaders alongside senior politicians and leaders from Universities and Further Education.
” “ The last few years have seen major changes to NHS Resolution ’ s role and standing in the system as a result of both its revised strategy and the new clinical negligence scheme for GPs .
It has been a pleasure and privilege to Chair the organisation through this period of significant change .
Although the course is set for the next few years some of these changes are still at an early stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now a need to progress the development of our infrastructure to support the enhanced role and the NHS will continue to evolve .
I am sure therefore that the next Chair will also find the role both challenging and rewarding.
” “ The Office of Tax Simplification ( OTS ) provides the government with independent advice on simplifying the tax system , to make things easier for taxpayers .
The OTS Board is led by an independent Chair ( Kathryn Cearns OBE ) and Tax Director ( Bill Dodwell ) and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to four independent members , supported by a diverse staff team drawn from the civil service and the private sector , led by the OTS Head of Office David Halsey .
The four independent members of the OTS Board are currently Dame Teresa Graham , John Cullinane , Kathleen Russ and – until his recent resignation – Paul Johnson .
To support its work and further development , the OTS would like to identify an exceptional individual with relevant experience to join its Board as one of its independent members.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner ( the Commissioner ) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012 .
This is a senior position and , whilst the appointment is made by the regulators , it is an independent role , subject to approval by HM Treasury .
The current Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee ( Office of the Complaints Commissioner ) from premises based in the City of London .
He is assisted by three staff .
The Commissioner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actions or inactions of the UK ’ s current financial services regulators , the Financial Conduct Authority , the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England ( but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes ) .
” Remuneration : “ Remuneration is on a level with judicial salaries , pro-rated as appropriate .
”

Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
Regulatory Horizons Panel – Member
“As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a wave of technological innovation is creating new industries, disrupting existing ones and transforming the way things are made and the way we live. From AI-powered legal services to autonomous ships, new products, services and business models are emerging which don’t fit with existing regulatory systems. In its White Paper on Regulation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Government committed to establishing a Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) to identify the implications of technological innovation with high potential benefit for the UK economy and society and advise the government on regulatory reform needed to support its rapid and safe introduction.”
Time: 1-2 days per month.
Remuneration: £380 per diem.
Closes: 23 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Financial Conduct Authority – Chief Executive
“This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services, leading a sizeable and complex organisation. There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role. Under Andrew Bailey, the FCA has formulated a transformation programme, to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development: a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified; [and] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal, and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: Competitive.
Closes: 27 March
– – – – – – – – – –
British Council – Chief Executive
“The Chief Executive will assume office at a time of unprecedented external change. The political landscape in Europe and around the globe is altering with increasing pace and less predictability. The British Council is also in constant transformation to deliver within funding constraints in a demanding, more client and customer-facing world. The aims and goals of the British Council are more necessary than ever. Delivering them in the complex world of 2020 is more difficult than at any time since 1945. The resulting demands on the Chief Executive in terms of vision, agility, ability to simplify and lead with clarity and purpose are substantial. The Chief Executive will be instrumental in redefining both ‘soft power’ and ‘cultural relations’ at this pivotal moment and will help define the place of the United Kingdom, for the better, in a ‘disrupted’ and uncertain geopolitical world.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: Up to £150k per annum plus bonus to 8 per cent and Civil Service Pension
Closes: 27 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (C2C LEP) – Chair
“The Coast to Capital Strategic Board comprises private sector and local authority Members, setting a vision for and overseeing delivery of economic prosperity for all in the Coast to Capital area, including through Government funding of projects through the Local Growth Fund. They are accountable to the LEP Board and for the proper governance of the LEP. Coast to Capital is seeking an influential and persuasive senior business figure from the C2C area to help lead the region and meet the ambitious vision set out in its strategic plan. Currently chaired by Tim Wates, who will be stepping down in July 2020, the Board brings together a diverse mix of regional business leaders alongside senior politicians and leaders from Universities and Further Education.”
Time: Four days per month, three-year term.
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 30 March
– – – – – – – – – –
NHS Resolution – Chair
“The last few years have seen major changes to NHS Resolution’s role and standing in the system as a result of both its revised strategy and the new clinical negligence scheme for GPs. It has been a pleasure and privilege to Chair the organisation through this period of significant change. Although the course is set for the next few years some of these changes are still at an early stage and need to be embedded, there is now a need to progress the development of our infrastructure to support the enhanced role and the NHS will continue to evolve. I am sure therefore that the next Chair will also find the role both challenging and rewarding.”
Time: 2-3 days per week.
Remuneration: £63,000 per annum.
Closes: 06 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Office of Tax Simplification – Board Member
“The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) provides the government with independent advice on simplifying the tax system, to make things easier for taxpayers. The OTS Board is led by an independent Chair (Kathryn Cearns OBE) and Tax Director (Bill Dodwell) and has representatives from HM Treasury and HMRC and up to four independent members, supported by a diverse staff team drawn from the civil service and the private sector, led by the OTS Head of Office David Halsey. The four independent members of the OTS Board are currently Dame Teresa Graham, John Cullinane, Kathleen Russ and – until his recent resignation – Paul Johnson. To support its work and further development, the OTS would like to identify an exceptional individual with relevant experience to join its Board as one of its independent members.”
Time: Approx. 10 days per annum.
Remuneration: “Reasonable expenses”.
Closes: 06 April
– – – – – – – – – –
HM Treasury – Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner
“The Office of the Complaints Commissioner is headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner (the Commissioner) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012. This is a senior position and, whilst the appointment is made by the regulators, it is an independent role, subject to approval by HM Treasury. The current Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee (Office of the Complaints Commissioner) from premises based in the City of London. He is assisted by three staff. The Commissioner’s role is to review independently complaints about the actions or inactions of the UK’s current financial services regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England (but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes).”
Time: Est. three days per week.
Remuneration: “Remuneration is on a level with judicial salaries, pro-rated as appropriate.”
Closes: 13 April


conservativehome--2020-03-25--More details of the new scheme and some issues arising from it

On ConservativeHome today , we provide a link to the Government ’ s new NHS Volunteer Responder scheme , as announced yesterday .
Matt Hancock said that 250,000 recruit are sought : “ people in good health to help the NHS , for shopping , for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health ” .
Volunteers whose applications are accepted will apparently be divided into three categories .
First , Community Response volunteers , who will collect shopping , medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second , Patient Transport volunteers , who will support the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge , and ensuring they are settled safely back in to their home .
Third , NHS Transport volunteers , who will help to transport equipment , supplies and medication between NHS services and sites .
We wish the scheme well , though it gives rise to some health-related questions , and some broader ones .
The Government is instructing people to stay at home , and there is specific guidance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may be infected by the Coronavirus ) and shielding ( for especially vulnerable people ) .
That first set of instructions takes into account providing care and helping vulnerable people , but there are obviously potential issues in terms of the health of volunteers for the new scheme , and therefore for those that the scheme is intended to help .
Volunteers “ must be 18 or over , and fit and well with no coronavirus symptoms ” .
But as John Redwood wrote on the site recently , there are considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still imperfect about how long it can be in someone before symptoms show , how it is transmitted , why it is sometimes very dangerous but normally not for a younger healthy person , whether it can be caught twice by the same person , and whether someone does build immunity to it by having it ” .
It is surely possible to have a healthy , fit adult who has the virus but is displaying no symptoms .
So he or she may infect others if not careful .
Similarly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these fit , healthy adults will help will themselves have the virus .
It may be argued that healthy , fit adults will both get the Coronavirus and then get over it .
But some will be living with or be in contact with other people that are also vulnerable .
Furthermore , as Liam Fox pointed out on this site yesterday , “ there is a large proportion of the population , including younger patients , who may contract the disease and who , although they are more likely to survive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have a severe impact on the capacity of the NHS to cope particularly if it resulted in admission to already overstretched ICU services ” .
So the volunteers will ideally need protective equipment , but it is reported that there is a shortage .
If this is so on the front line for doctors , it will be even more so for volunteers .
The Community Response Volunteers will not always be able to leave shopping or equipment at the door .
Some of those they are helping will be severely disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Patient Response Volunteers will be assisting those who are medically fit for discharge , but it is arguable that some may still be infectious .
The NHS Transport volunteers will be visiting places and facilities that are hotbeds of the virus , so they will need to be especially careful .
None of this is intended to undermine the scheme ( were we seeking to do so , we would not be publicising the application form ) , but it is important to ask these questions and others , and to clarify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also worth noting that face-to-face contact won ’ t always be necessary : those in higher-risk groups ( including those over 70 , those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions ) will be able to offer support by telephone .
Furthermore , volunteers will be given additional employment safeguards so they can leave their main jobs and temporarily volunteer in the event of a UK epidemic .
The scheme will be delivered by Royal Voluntary Service , and will clearly criss-cross with the work of local councils , other charities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable under these testing circumstances .
As ever , some councils are proving more go-ahead than others , and as an example we pick out a perhaps obvious one – Westminster City Council .
The Coronavirus Information and How you can help sections of its website are easy to find .
There is advice on how to set up a local group of volunteers , and much else .
A final word that looks back , though not all that far .
If all this isn ’ t David Cameron ’ s Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is .

On ConservativeHome today, we provide a link to the Government’s new NHS Volunteer Responder scheme, as announced yesterday. Matt Hancock said that 250,000 recruit are sought: “people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health”.
Volunteers whose applications are accepted will apparently be divided into three categories.
First, Community Response volunteers, who will collect shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.
Second, Patient Transport volunteers, who will support the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, and ensuring they are settled safely back in to their home.
Third, NHS Transport volunteers, who will help to transport equipment, supplies and medication between NHS services and sites.
We wish the scheme well, though it gives rise to some health-related questions, and some broader ones.
The Government is instructing people to stay at home, and there is specific guidance on social distancing, self-distancing (for those who may be infected by the Coronavirus) and shielding (for especially vulnerable people).
That first set of instructions takes into account providing care and helping vulnerable people, but there are obviously potential issues in terms of the health of volunteers for the new scheme, and therefore for those that the scheme is intended to help.
Volunteers “must be 18 or over, and fit and well with no coronavirus symptoms”. But as John Redwood wrote on the site recently, there are considerable unknowns about the virus: “knowledge is still imperfect about how long it can be in someone before symptoms show, how it is transmitted, why it is sometimes very dangerous but normally not for a younger healthy person, whether it can be caught twice by the same person, and whether someone does build immunity to it by having it”.
It is surely possible to have a healthy, fit adult who has the virus but is displaying no symptoms. So he or she may infect others if not careful. Similarly, it is possible that some of those that these fit, healthy adults will help will themselves have the virus.
It may be argued that healthy, fit adults will both get the Coronavirus and then get over it. But some will be living with or be in contact with other people that are also vulnerable.
Furthermore, as Liam Fox pointed out on this site yesterday, “there is a large proportion of the population, including younger patients, who may contract the disease and who, although they are more likely to survive, may still require hospitalisation. This could have a severe impact on the capacity of the NHS to cope particularly if it resulted in admission to already overstretched ICU services”.
So the volunteers will ideally need protective equipment, but it is reported that there is a shortage. If this is so on the front line for doctors, it will be even more so for volunteers.
The Community Response Volunteers will not always be able to leave shopping or equipment at the door. Some of those they are helping will be severely disabled, or will have complex needs.
The Patient Response Volunteers will be assisting those who are medically fit for discharge, but it is arguable that some may still be infectious.
The NHS Transport volunteers will be visiting places and facilities that are hotbeds of the virus, so they will need to be especially careful.
None of this is intended to undermine the scheme (were we seeking to do so, we would not be publicising the application form), but it is important to ask these questions and others, and to clarify some of the main issues.
It is also worth noting that face-to-face contact won’t always be necessary: those in higher-risk groups (including those over 70, those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions) will be able to offer support by telephone.
Furthermore, volunteers will be given additional employment safeguards so they can leave their main jobs and temporarily volunteer in the event of a UK epidemic.
The scheme will be delivered by Royal Voluntary Service, and will clearly criss-cross with the work of local councils, other charities and voluntary groups. That’s inevitable under these testing circumstances.
As ever, some councils are proving more go-ahead than others, and as an example we pick out a perhaps obvious one – Westminster City Council. The Coronavirus Information and How you can help sections of its website are easy to find. There is advice on how to set up a local group of volunteers, and much else.
A final word that looks back, though not all that far. If all this isn’t David Cameron’s Big Society, we don’t know what is.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Link to Government’s NHS volunteer responder form

This is the scheme announced yesterday evening by Matt Hancock to recruit 250,00 volunteers to help counter the Coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ be “ people in good health to help the NHS , for shopping , for @ @ @ @ @ to support those who are shielding to protect their own health ” .
The form @ @ @ @ @

This is the scheme announced yesterday evening by Matt Hancock to recruit 250,00 volunteers to help counter the Coronavirus.
He said that these should be “people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health”. The form to apply is here.


Coronavirus Count

Total number of recorded cases in the UK : 8,077 ( Up from 6,650 at the last count on this site ) .
Daily confirmed cases : 1,427 ( The last figure published was 997 ) .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
Total UK cases COVID-19 Cases Update .
The above are figures for England .
“ The risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GUIDANCE : FURTHER BUSINESSES AND PREMISES TO CLOSE See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
HOW EVERYONE CAN HELP STOP THE CORONAVIRUS ( SOCIAL DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
STAY AT HOME IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE CORONAVIRUS ( SELF-DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY CAN CLAIM See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT THE CORONAVIRUS BILL WILL DO See here .
Published on Wednesday March 18 HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away and wash your hands afterwards .
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website overview .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7am on Wednesday 25th March .

HEADLINE FACTS
Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 292,950 (Up from 291,409).
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 41,481 (Up from 41,279).
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 1,541 (Up from 1,266).
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 202 (Up from 151).
England total cases: 156,410 (Up from 156,018 ).
England total deaths: 37,069 (Up from 36,883).
England death rate: 279.4 (Was 278.7).
Scotland total cases: 15,709 (Up from 15,682).
Scotland total deaths: 2,439 (Up from 2,434).
Scotland death rate: 288.9 (Was 288.4).
Wales total cases: 14,658 (Up from 14,581).
Wales total deaths: 1,435 (Up from 1,425).
Wales death rate: 467.0 (Was 464.6)
Northern Ireland total cases: 4,838 (Up from 4,822)
Northern Ireland total deaths: 538 (Up from 537).
Northern Ireland death rate: 257.1 (Was 256.3).
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED
DAILY NUMBER OF LAB-CONFIRMED ENGLAND CASES
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
RISK
“The risk to the UK has been raised to high” –
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
NHS VOLUNTEER RESPONDER FORM
See here
(The Government’s scheme to recruit 250,000 volunteers.)
– – –
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: THE UK GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY
See here. New as of Monday May 11.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON THE LOCKDOWN.
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: GENERAL ADVICE
See here.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. WHAT YOU CAN DO AND CAN’T DO
See here.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS, TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW
See here. Published on Saturday March 28.
– – –
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS
Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze .
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards .
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
A cough.
A high temperature.
Shortness of breath.
However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
USING 111
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
You think you might have coronavirus.
In the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers.
You’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.
In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.
In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.
In Northern Ireland call 111.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
FURTHER LINKS TO GOVERNMENT ADVICE
– – –
(All information taken from Government sources.
Updated as of 19.00 on Friday June 12.)


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Luke Evans: New in Parliament. A doctor on the Health Select Committee. And tasked with helping to l

Luke Evans: New in Parliament. A doctor on the Health Select Committee. And tasked with helping to lead locally.

Dr Luke Evans is a member of the Health Select Committee , and is MP for Bosworth .
December the twelfth feels like a long time ago .
If someone had told you then that , in four short months , the country would be facing its greatest crisis in 80 years you simply wouldn ’ t have believed them .
To go in less than that time from the discovery of a virus to the effective shutdown of the global economy is , whichever way you look at it , unprecedented .
The Prime Minister would have thought his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that he had a tremendous mandate for ; and , as a new backbench MP , mine would be one of getting to know my constituency , loyalty in delivering the Government ’ s agenda , learning how Westminster works and , in reality , a period of relative obscurity .
Yet here we stand only a hundred or so days later , and I am a member of the Health & Social Care Select Committee , tasked with asking leading medics and scientists about a global health crisis ; and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community feeling the burden of expectations for those 82,000 residents urgently looking for answers .
It ’ s a steep learning curve even with the medical background that I am fortunate to have .
I ’ m conscious that , because I ’ m a doctor , I have to be a clinical voice on the Health Select Committee , I ’ ve got to make sure every question means something .
I have countless former colleagues , and no small number of family members in the medical profession , contacting me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s strategy to tackle this hideous virus .
I know that it is vital that I use my skills in the most productive manner possible .
I can answer questions about the medical aspects of this crisis – hopefully , in a straightforward , approachable manner .
I ’ m putting out regular videos about the reasons for social distancing and self-isolation , and why the Government is adopting the testing strategy that it is .
Those years of learning a bedside manner are once again being put to a productive use .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whilst I am able to answer those medical questions , I have my limitations when it comes to the economy and how business will adapt .
I know that I ’ m reliant on the expertise of colleagues with other skill sets .
It ’ s great to know that , for the most part , the country is coming together with a unified aim of minimising the impact of this virus and getting life back to normal as soon as we possibly can .
In an endeavour as large and important as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , but as a doctor I ’ m more than satisfied that this one is assessing the evidence and making decisions based upon it .
Of course , the real task , is to then convey all of that information to the people that I have been elected to represent , the constituents of Bosworth .
No one ever said that being an MP would or should be easy , but at a time when people are worried not just about their health but their jobs , businesses and savings too it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team respond as quickly as we possibly can .
I ’ m getting up before 6.00am to start responding to emails and working through until 11.00pm , seven days a week .
Not for one second do I complain or think I ’ m different to my 649 colleagues – it ’ s a burden I know that we are all proud to take along with this vocation that we have chosen .
My team too , comprised mainly of experienced staff who worked for other MPs before last December , are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required of them .
For them too , supporting their community is more than simply another job .
There ’ s no doubt that it ’ s a stressful time for a new MP when it was supposed to be a relatively stable one , a period of learning for many of us .
But we don ’ t get the chance to choose global events , we can only stand and lead if we are called upon to do so .
I ’ m certain that we are ready .

Dr Luke Evans is a member of the Health Select Committee, and is MP for Bosworth.
December the twelfth feels like a long time ago. If someone had told you then that, in four short months, the country would be facing its greatest crisis in 80 years you simply wouldn’t have believed them.
To go in less than that time from the discovery of a virus to the effective shutdown of the global economy is, whichever way you look at it, unprecedented.
The Prime Minister would have thought his main task was getting Brexit done – something that he had a tremendous mandate for; and, as a new backbench MP, mine would be one of getting to know my constituency, loyalty in delivering the Government’s agenda, learning how Westminster works and, in reality, a period of relative obscurity.
Yet here we stand only a hundred or so days later, and I am a member of the Health & Social Care Select Committee, tasked with asking leading medics and scientists about a global health crisis; and an MP playing a leadership role in my community feeling the burden of expectations for those 82,000 residents urgently looking for answers.
It’s a steep learning curve even with the medical background that I am fortunate to have.
I’m conscious that, because I’m a doctor, I have to be a clinical voice on the Health Select Committee, I’ve got to make sure every question means something. I have countless former colleagues, and no small number of family members in the medical profession, contacting me to raise salient points about the Government’s strategy to tackle this hideous virus.
I know that it is vital that I use my skills in the most productive manner possible. I can answer questions about the medical aspects of this crisis – hopefully, in a straightforward, approachable manner.
I’m putting out regular videos about the reasons for social distancing and self-isolation, and why the Government is adopting the testing strategy that it is. Those years of learning a bedside manner are once again being put to a productive use.
But I’m acutely conscious that whilst I am able to answer those medical questions, I have my limitations when it comes to the economy and how business will adapt. I know that I’m reliant on the expertise of colleagues with other skill sets.
It’s great to know that, for the most part, the country is coming together with a unified aim of minimising the impact of this virus and getting life back to normal as soon as we possibly can.
In an endeavour as large and important as this no government will ever get everything right, but as a doctor I’m more than satisfied that this one is assessing the evidence and making decisions based upon it.
Of course, the real task, is to then convey all of that information to the people that I have been elected to represent, the constituents of Bosworth.
No one ever said that being an MP would or should be easy, but at a time when people are worried not just about their health but their jobs, businesses and savings too it’s vital that I and my team respond as quickly as we possibly can.
I’m getting up before 6.00am to start responding to emails and working through until 11.00pm, seven days a week. Not for one second do I complain or think I’m different to my 649 colleagues – it’s a burden I know that we are all proud to take along with this vocation that we have chosen.
My team too, comprised mainly of experienced staff who worked for other MPs before last December, are working far beyond the hours that are contractually required of them. For them too, supporting their community is more than simply another job.
There’s no doubt that it’s a stressful time for a new MP when it was supposed to be a relatively stable one, a period of learning for many of us.
But we don’t get the chance to choose global events, we can only stand and lead if we are called upon to do so. I’m certain that we are ready.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Robert Halfon: Britain is now a moderate social democratic state

Robert Halfon is MP for Harlow , a former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman , Chair of the Education Select Committee and President of Conservative Workers and Trade Unionists .
The answer is NO , of course .
However , it is hard to believe that just a few months ago , Conservatives were arguing against unfunded , multi-billion-pound spending programmes because of the need to keep down the deficit and debt .
Yet , now , the Government is using billions of taxpayers ’ money – more than Labour ever imagined , and absolutely necessary and justifiably – to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by coronavirus .
Of course , it can be argued that the Treasury is only able to do this because it got the deficit under control ( just imagine if , God forbid , this pandemic had occurred during the 2008 banking collapse ) and fixed the roof that hadn ’ t been mended when the sun was shining .
Moreover , Labour ’ s manifesto plans virtually threw taxpayers ’ money down the plughole .
For instance , spending up to £20 billion on ‘ free ’ broadband – hardly value for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor ’ s actions to spend hundreds of billions of pounds is enormous .
If monies can be found in moments of crises to alleviate the financial hardship of millions of our countrymen and women , why can not funds always be found to solve very difficult problems for the public sector in the future ?
When the Coronavirus is history , why not spend not £14 billion extra on education but £50 billion , and another £50 billion on the NHS ?
Or use another £20 billion on income tax cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra £20 billion on roads ?
It will be much harder to make arguments to say no to this , because the response will always be : “ Well , the State has shown what it is willing to spend in the recent past ” .
I have no doubt that the argument will be that the Coronavirus spending took place in exceptional circumstances .
Absolutely .
But the principle and precedent of public spending on necessities will be there against any argument about the need for austerity and for essential spending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to need to come up a radically different narrative that explains why massive spending is not always possible .
That the principle and precedent of public spending on necessities can not apply to everything .
To be clear , I have no doubt that the Chancellor is doing the right thing .
I agree with him one hundred per cent on the measures he has taken .
I also believe that there must be a serious package for the self-employed .
But even before the recent , additional coronavirus spending , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of austerity was over ; public expenditure on research and development , infrastructure , schools and the NHS was now a good thing .
With coronavirus finances added to that , it is clear that austerity is not over for an age , but a millenium .
Britain is now a moderate social democratic state – which , I suspect , most people feel aligned with and which much of the public prefer .
Apart from the hard left , those in politics will either be on the right side of social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right side ( the Conservative side of which I am proud to belong ) , we are saying we believe in low taxation alongside a mixed economy .
Where possible , we use the levers of economic and social entrepreneurship and civil society , glued together by economic and social capital , customs , tradition , and stability , rather than the State .
For those on the moderate left side of social democracy , they will have a much stronger belief in the State using the levers of power to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative , or moderate left , whilst austerity is dead , the age of social democracy will be with us for a long time to come .
It wasn ’ t Corbynomics that won the election – but was it social democracy ?
Of course , the awful coronavirus has shown our public and private services at their best .
‘ Protect the NHS ’ is not just a slogan reminding us to stay at home , but three words that illustrate the umbilical cord between the British people and our National Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also see certain elements of the private sector in the same light , as we are kept fed , watered and informed over the coming months .
We can ’ t but watch in amazement as teachers , doctors , police , fire officers , delivery drivers , supermarket and corner shop employees , critical workers in infrastructure and security , the media – and many more besides – just keep on working day in , day out , putting their own health ( and that of their families ) in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that everyone has access to daily necessities and information .
But there are political heroes , too .
Alongside the Prime Minister , Secretaries of State , like Matt Hancock who , with ever-increasing panda bear eyes , is working round the clock for the NHS and has performed brilliantly on the media and in Parliament as to what is going on .
Communities Secretary , Robert Jenrick , too – especially on the social justice side of things in helping the homeless and advising local councils .
Gavin Williamson and Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education for millions of pupils across the country , which will have an enormous effect on children ’ s outcomes in later life .
The new Chancellor , Rishi Sunak – in the job for just a couple of weeks , yet taking some of the biggest financial decisions in our nation ’ s history .
I am not by nature a sycophant , but it is worth remembering the burden that some members of the Cabinet have to bear in making life or death decisions in what is a national emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to time .
They are heroes , too .

Robert Halfon is MP for Harlow, a former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman, Chair of the Education Select Committee and President of Conservative Workers and Trade Unionists.
Did Jeremy Corbyn win the general election?
The answer is NO, of course.
However, it is hard to believe that just a few months ago, Conservatives were arguing against unfunded, multi-billion-pound spending programmes because of the need to keep down the deficit and debt. Yet, now, the Government is using billions of taxpayers’ money – more than Labour ever imagined, and absolutely necessary and justifiably – to deal with the economic and financial shocks caused by coronavirus.
Of course, it can be argued that the Treasury is only able to do this because it got the deficit under control (just imagine if, God forbid, this pandemic had occurred during the 2008 banking collapse) and fixed the roof that hadn’t been mended when the sun was shining. Moreover, Labour’s manifesto plans virtually threw taxpayers’ money down the plughole. For instance, spending up to £20 billion on ‘free’ broadband – hardly value for money.
Nevertheless, the implications of the Chancellor’s actions to spend hundreds of billions of pounds is enormous.
If monies can be found in moments of crises to alleviate the financial hardship of millions of our countrymen and women, why cannot funds always be found to solve very difficult problems for the public sector in the future? When the Coronavirus is history, why not spend not £14 billion extra on education but £50 billion, and another £50 billion on the NHS? Or use another £20 billion on income tax cuts for the lower paid, and an extra £20 billion on roads?
It will be much harder to make arguments to say no to this, because the response will always be: “Well, the State has shown what it is willing to spend in the recent past”. I have no doubt that the argument will be that the Coronavirus spending took place in exceptional circumstances. Absolutely. But the principle and precedent of public spending on necessities will be there against any argument about the need for austerity and for essential spending on public services.
So, Conservatives are going to need to come up a radically different narrative that explains why massive spending is not always possible. That the principle and precedent of public spending on necessities cannot apply to everything.
To be clear, I have no doubt that the Chancellor is doing the right thing. I agree with him one hundred per cent on the measures he has taken. I also believe that there must be a serious package for the self-employed.
But even before the recent, additional coronavirus spending, it was clear the Budget signalled that the age of austerity was over; public expenditure on research and development, infrastructure, schools and the NHS was now a good thing. With coronavirus finances added to that, it is clear that austerity is not over for an age, but a millenium.
Britain is now a moderate social democratic state – which, I suspect, most people feel aligned with and which much of the public prefer. Apart from the hard left, those in politics will either be on the right side of social democracy or on the left. On the right side (the Conservative side of which I am proud to belong), we are saying we believe in low taxation alongside a mixed economy. Where possible, we use the levers of economic and social entrepreneurship and civil society, glued together by economic and social capital, customs, tradition, and stability, rather than the State.
For those on the moderate left side of social democracy, they will have a much stronger belief in the State using the levers of power to implement change. But, whether moderate right Conservative, or moderate left, whilst austerity is dead, the age of social democracy will be with us for a long time to come.
It wasn’t Corbynomics that won the election – but was it social democracy?
Political Heroes
Of course, the awful coronavirus has shown our public and private services at their best. ‘Protect the NHS’ is not just a slogan reminding us to stay at home, but three words that illustrate the umbilical cord between the British people and our National Health Service. I would think that people will also see certain elements of the private sector in the same light, as we are kept fed, watered and informed over the coming months.
We can’t but watch in amazement as teachers, doctors, police, fire officers, delivery drivers, supermarket and corner shop employees, critical workers in infrastructure and security, the media – and many more besides – just keep on working day in, day out, putting their own health (and that of their families) in order to ensure both the public are protected and that everyone has access to daily necessities and information.
But there are political heroes, too. Alongside the Prime Minister, Secretaries of State, like Matt Hancock who, with ever-increasing panda bear eyes, is working round the clock for the NHS and has performed brilliantly on the media and in Parliament as to what is going on. Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, too – especially on the social justice side of things in helping the homeless and advising local councils. Gavin Williamson and Nick Gibb having to decide the future of education for millions of pupils across the country, which will have an enormous effect on children’s outcomes in later life. The new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak – in the job for just a couple of weeks, yet taking some of the biggest financial decisions in our nation’s history.
I am not by nature a sycophant, but it is worth remembering the burden that some members of the Cabinet have to bear in making life or death decisions in what is a national emergency. We should thank these people from time to time. They are heroes, too.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Paul Mercer: Charnwood’s planning helps it prepare for the virus

Cllr Paul Mercer is a councillor on Charnwood Borough Council and is the Lead Member for Housing in the Cabinet .
He is writing in a personal capacity .
Charnwood Borough Council has always emphasised planning for emergencies , although no amount of blue sky thinking could have prepared us for the challenge we are about to face with the coronavirus .
As it became apparent that this virus was going to have a significant impact , the council ’ s leader , and a newly-appointed chief executive , started to think through the many changes that would be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained and the democratic structure continued to function .
Charnwood had previously developed rigorous business continuity plans designed to ensure that we could support our diverse communities .
Communicating this message has been critical and , as well as using social media , a dedicated section of our website has been created , and we are also using our email alerts to 5,000 subscribers .
The message does appear to have been absorbed by older people and many of them have already taken precautions to protect themselves in what could be a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I suspect nationally , there seems to be far less interest among younger people .
Some of those that I have spoken to have described it as an ‘ old person ’ s disease ’ and have claimed – probably correctly – that the chances of them dying is negligible .
Many seem disinterested in changing their behaviour .
Transmission chains that begin in younger populations , where there is a low number of severe cases , can often go undetected for a long time .
Many of the initial deaths in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus ’ s genetic sequence suggested that it had been circulating for several weeks beforehand .
As part of Charnwood ’ s planning , a number of working groups were set up to look at issues such as workforce planning , health and safety , and community impact , all of which was led by the Business Continuity Group chaired by our chief executive .
Charnwood has always worked closely with the other Leicestershire authorities and coordinating its activities at this level is carried out through the Local Resilience Forum .
Throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to conform to the guidance from Public Health England , the Government and the NHS .
Like many councils , Charnwood was in the process of going paperless and this coincided with the introduction of Office 365 which contains Microsoft Teams – a unified communication and collaboration platform .
Although this had not been activated it was a relatively simple process which even some of our technophobic councillors have managed to grasp .
For remote decision-making , it required a simple change in the law and not only can meetings be conducted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the proceedings can be broadcast live over the Internet .
In order to encourage homeworking , Charnwood has issued a protocol to ensure that those staff in the high risk group move out of the offices as quickly as possible , although there are some functions which can not be carried out off-site .
This crisis is most likely to affect older people both in terms of the health risk but also making it difficult for them to sustain themselves .
A number of councillors have unilaterally set up networks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the virus a challenge .
In our own ward , we have been circulating a letter asking who needs help and you can offer it ; two Conservative councillors in one of the villages , Birstall , have already created a support network ; and both our sole Green councillor and Labour opposition have been doing likewise .
In parallel with these activities , local people have come together unilaterally to create an ad hoc grouping through social media calling itself Loughborough Community Volunteers .
Similar groups are now appearing elsewhere in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community campaign to support this effort .
Although as councillors we have been able to offer support and advice to our electors , some of us have been approached by local companies who seem unable to devise a response .
Dentists , for instance , have received no information about how to protect themselves and their patients .
Unlike medics , they have little protective equipment and have not been told how to deal with coronavirus positive patients who have extreme dental pain .
It is outside our capabilities to give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our electors are likely to require their services in the coming months .
At this early stage , there are too many unknowns to anticipate what the ultimate impact of the virus will be .
What is certain is that the spread of the virus is likely to continue and the number of cases , and later deaths , will rise exponentially , probably for the next month , before it starts to run out of new places to go .
It will inflict massive economic and social damage , not just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way in which local councillors have come together and shown a determination to work in support of their officers may play a small role in helping to alleviate some of its worst effects .

Cllr Paul Mercer is a councillor on Charnwood Borough Council and is the Lead Member for Housing in the Cabinet. He is writing in a personal capacity.
Charnwood Borough Council has always emphasised planning for emergencies, although no amount of blue sky thinking could have prepared us for the challenge we are about to face with the coronavirus.
As it became apparent that this virus was going to have a significant impact, the council’s leader, and a newly-appointed chief executive, started to think through the many changes that would be required to ensure that our frontline services were maintained and the democratic structure continued to function.
Charnwood had previously developed rigorous business continuity plans designed to ensure that we could support our diverse communities. Communicating this message has been critical and, as well as using social media, a dedicated section of our website has been created, and we are also using our email alerts to 5,000 subscribers.
The message does appear to have been absorbed by older people and many of them have already taken precautions to protect themselves in what could be a long period in isolation. Locally, and I suspect nationally, there seems to be far less interest among younger people. Some of those that I have spoken to have described it as an ‘old person’s disease’ and have claimed – probably correctly – that the chances of them dying is negligible. Many seem disinterested in changing their behaviour. Transmission chains that begin in younger populations, where there is a low number of severe cases, can often go undetected for a long time. Many of the initial deaths in Washington state occurred at one location even though the virus’s genetic sequence suggested that it had been circulating for several weeks beforehand.
As part of Charnwood’s planning, a number of working groups were set up to look at issues such as workforce planning, health and safety, and community impact, all of which was led by the Business Continuity Group chaired by our chief executive. Charnwood has always worked closely with the other Leicestershire authorities and coordinating its activities at this level is carried out through the Local Resilience Forum. Throughout this process, care has been taken to conform to the guidance from Public Health England, the Government and the NHS.
Like many councils, Charnwood was in the process of going paperless and this coincided with the introduction of Office 365 which contains Microsoft Teams – a unified communication and collaboration platform. Although this had not been activated it was a relatively simple process which even some of our technophobic councillors have managed to grasp. For remote decision-making, it required a simple change in the law and not only can meetings be conducted with councillors remaining at home, or wherever, but the proceedings can be broadcast live over the Internet.
In order to encourage homeworking, Charnwood has issued a protocol to ensure that those staff in the high risk group move out of the offices as quickly as possible, although there are some functions which cannot be carried out off-site.
This crisis is most likely to affect older people both in terms of the health risk but also making it difficult for them to sustain themselves. A number of councillors have unilaterally set up networks to make contact with residents who might otherwise find the virus a challenge. In our own ward, we have been circulating a letter asking who needs help and you can offer it; two Conservative councillors in one of the villages, Birstall, have already created a support network; and both our sole Green councillor and Labour opposition have been doing likewise.
In parallel with these activities, local people have come together unilaterally to create an ad hoc grouping through social media calling itself Loughborough Community Volunteers. Similar groups are now appearing elsewhere in the borough. Charnwood has now launched a community campaign to support this effort.
Although as councillors we have been able to offer support and advice to our electors, some of us have been approached by local companies who seem unable to devise a response. Dentists, for instance, have received no information about how to protect themselves and their patients. Unlike medics, they have little protective equipment and have not been told how to deal with coronavirus positive patients who have extreme dental pain. It is outside our capabilities to give them any meaningful advice and yet many of our electors are likely to require their services in the coming months.
At this early stage, there are too many unknowns to anticipate what the ultimate impact of the virus will be. What is certain is that the spread of the virus is likely to continue and the number of cases, and later deaths, will rise exponentially, probably for the next month, before it starts to run out of new places to go.
It will inflict massive economic and social damage, not just in Charnwood but across the UK, and the way in which local councillors have come together and shown a determination to work in support of their officers may play a small role in helping to alleviate some of its worst effects.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Ben Roback: Trump wants to rush America’s response to COVID-19 – but the states might stop him

Ben Roback is Head of Trade and International Policy at Cicero Group .
Two weeks ago on this site , we considered how coronavirus could derail Donald Trump ’ s economy-focused re-election campaign .
In the intervening fortnight the challenge facing the President has become even more acute as global markets tumbled .
Since then , early signs of recovery have perhaps started to emerge .
By market close on Tuesday evening , Wall Street rallied as Congress neared a COVID-19 stimulus deal .
The S & P 500 jumped 9.3 per cent and the Nasdaq climbed 8.1 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage gain since 1933 .
Markets surged again this morning after the overnight news that Congress and the White House had reached a deal to inject nearly $ 2 trillion into the economy .
The President has now entered the next stage of his own COVID-19 mitigation plan – the recovery phase .
Trump told Fox News he would like to have the country “ opened up , and just raring to go ” by Easter , which is less than three weeks away .
The White House is in a rush to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It marks yet another turn in Trump ’ s approach to the crisis .
He didn ’ t seem to be taking COVID-19 all that seriously initially , dismissing it occasionally as the “ China virus ” and an inconvenience that threatened his election prospects .
Since then , the President has pivoted – hard .
Once markets crashed and the body of scientific evidence had built into a deafening crescendo , he reinvented himself as a “ wartime president ” .
The shift to an early recovery and reopening of the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Strain , an economist at the right-leaning think tank AEI – which often sees eye to eye with this administration – wrote in a searing op-ed : “ Trying and failing to reopen the economy before economic activity is organically ready to resume could have dire economic consequences.
” The Hill described the President “ mulling the biggest gamble of his presidency ” .
In seeking a short-term economic bounce , Trump risks accelerating an immediate health crisis and prompting longer term economic pain .
But the election is – at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just eight months ’ time , and a President who frequently tweets about stock market gains and growing 401K retirement plans feels under pressure to return Americans to the economic good times .
It appears to be a staggeringly myopic approach motivated by political gain .
Instead , it ’ s clear that there is no quick or easy fix to a global health crisis that is leaving economies crippled in its wake .
In attempting to push the US from prevention and mitigation to recovery , the President has put himself at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avalanche of evidence that suggests America is nowhere near ready to loosen its grip on the pandemic .
Just yesterday , the leading US medical and health organisations ( the American Medical Association , American Hospital Association , and American Nurses Association ) wrote an open letter calling on the American people to stay home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
But does the President have the unilateral power to shift the American response to COVID-19 ?
In short , no .
Don ’ t lose sight of the President , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media ’ s attention with daily press briefings and town halls , significant power lies in the hands of state governors , county commissioners , and mayors around the country .
The Constitution allows governors to issue their own policies to issue orders to protect their citizens in emergencies , including those dealing with public health – such as COVID-19 .
It is therefore governors who have the power to sign off stay-at-home orders , instructing their citizens to remain indoors .
The message coming out of Washington DC – one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at great odds with the stark warnings in just under half the US states that are currently under lockdown measures restricting public gatherings and social contact .
The lives of more than 160 million Americans have been changed on a state , not executive basis .
Proof of that is the extent to which some measures differ between states .
For example Gavin Newsom , the Governor of California , effectively made it a crime to socialise outside the home , while Michelle Lujan Grisham , his New Mexico counterpart ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump announced his own COVID-19 guidelines on 16 March , but they are just that – guidelines , not mandatory .
The President has the power to amend or shift those guidelines , but it will not change the instructions in states like New York and California where aggressive prevention plans remain in place .
Legally , states remain largely independent of the President and the federal government in regard to public health and police measures .
Politically , Republican governors will feel under some pressure to follow the Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular .
Despite that , the sheer weight of the federal government gives the President a degree of leverage over state governors at times of national emergency .
A live illustration of that is taking place at present as Andrew Cuomo , the Governor of New York , has been pleading with the Trump administration to use the Defense Production Act to ramp up ventilator production .
Mike Pence , the Vice President has authorised 4,000 more ventilators to be sent to New York from federal reserves .
Washington DC does not speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday that the US risks becoming the epicentre of the global COVID-19 outbreak , with more than 55,000 confirmed cases and over 800 deaths so far according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The President is seeking to project confidence from the White House briefing room podium – but if America ’ s governors , county commissioners , and mayors are pursuing their own more aggressive measures , then it will fall on deaf ears .

Ben Roback is Head of Trade and International Policy at Cicero Group.
Two weeks ago on this site, we considered how coronavirus could derail Donald Trump’s economy-focused re-election campaign. In the intervening fortnight the challenge facing the President has become even more acute as global markets tumbled.
Since then, early signs of recovery have perhaps started to emerge. By market close on Tuesday evening, Wall Street rallied as Congress neared a COVID-19 stimulus deal. The S&P 500 jumped 9.3 per cent and the Nasdaq climbed 8.1 per cent. The Dow Jones enjoyed its biggest percentage gain since 1933. Markets surged again this morning after the overnight news that Congress and the White House had reached a deal to inject nearly $2 trillion into the economy.
The President has now entered the next stage of his own COVID-19 mitigation plan – the recovery phase. Trump told Fox News he would like to have the country “opened up, and just raring to go” by Easter, which is less than three weeks away. The White House is in a rush to get the American economy roaring again.
It marks yet another turn in Trump’s approach to the crisis. He didn’t seem to be taking COVID-19 all that seriously initially, dismissing it occasionally as the “China virus” and an inconvenience that threatened his election prospects.
Since then, the President has pivoted – hard. Once markets crashed and the body of scientific evidence had built into a deafening crescendo, he reinvented himself as a “wartime president”. The shift to an early recovery and reopening of the American economy has therefore prompted fierce debate.
Michael Strain, an economist at the right-leaning think tank AEI – which often sees eye to eye with this administration – wrote in a searing op-ed: “Trying and failing to reopen the economy before economic activity is organically ready to resume could have dire economic consequences.” The Hill described the President “mulling the biggest gamble of his presidency”. In seeking a short-term economic bounce, Trump risks accelerating an immediate health crisis and prompting longer term economic pain.
But the election is – at least currently – scheduled to take place in just eight months’ time, and a President who frequently tweets about stock market gains and growing 401K retirement plans feels under pressure to return Americans to the economic good times.
It appears to be a staggeringly myopic approach motivated by political gain. Instead, it’s clear that there is no quick or easy fix to a global health crisis that is leaving economies crippled in its wake.
In attempting to push the US from prevention and mitigation to recovery, the President has put himself at odds with scientific advisers and an overwhelming avalanche of evidence that suggests America is nowhere near ready to loosen its grip on the pandemic. Just yesterday, the leading US medical and health organisations (the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, and American Nurses Association) wrote an open letter calling on the American people to stay home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
But does the President have the unilateral power to shift the American response to COVID-19? In short, no.
Don’t lose sight of the President, but watch state governors
Whilst Trump captures the media’s attention with daily press briefings and town halls, significant power lies in the hands of state governors, county commissioners, and mayors around the country. The Constitution allows governors to issue their own policies to issue orders to protect their citizens in emergencies, including those dealing with public health – such as COVID-19.
It is therefore governors who have the power to sign off stay-at-home orders, instructing their citizens to remain indoors. The message coming out of Washington DC – one of an imminent recovery and economic revival – is at great odds with the stark warnings in just under half the US states that are currently under lockdown measures restricting public gatherings and social contact. The lives of more than 160 million Americans have been changed on a state, not executive basis.
Proof of that is the extent to which some measures differ between states. For example Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, effectively made it a crime to socialise outside the home, while Michelle Lujan Grisham, his New Mexico counterpart’s, measures are more advisory than mandatory.
Trump announced his own COVID-19 guidelines on 16 March, but they are just that – guidelines, not mandatory. The President has the power to amend or shift those guidelines, but it will not change the instructions in states like New York and California where aggressive prevention plans remain in place. Legally, states remain largely independent of the President and the federal government in regard to public health and police measures. Politically, Republican governors will feel under some pressure to follow the Trump’s lead in states where the president is popular.
Despite that, the sheer weight of the federal government gives the President a degree of leverage over state governors at times of national emergency. A live illustration of that is taking place at present as Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, has been pleading with the Trump administration to use the Defense Production Act to ramp up ventilator production. Mike Pence, the Vice President has authorised 4,000 more ventilators to be sent to New York from federal reserves.
Washington DC does not speak for America
The World Health Organization said yesterday that the US risks becoming the epicentre of the global COVID-19 outbreak, with more than 55,000 confirmed cases and over 800 deaths so far according to Johns Hopkins University data. The President is seeking to project confidence from the White House briefing room podium – but if America’s governors, county commissioners, and mayors are pursuing their own more aggressive measures, then it will fall on deaf ears.


conservativehome--2020-03-25--Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson bids a solemn farewell to Corbyn, and promises action asap

Jeremy Corbyn ’ s last PMQs as Leader of the Opposition was also in many ways the strangest .
It lasted twice as long as usual , but with far fewer MPs , and in an atmosphere of enforced solidarity mingled with deep anxiety .
Boris Johnson paid tribute to Corbyn “ for his service to the party and country ” .
Corbyn retorted that this sounded like “ a sort of obituary ” , whereas “ I ’ ll still be around ” .
Johnson remarked , with amusement , that this news “ will be warmly welcomed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister had come to the Chamber intent on sounding solemn and consensual , rather than light or partisan .
Part of the interest of this session lay in seeing whether , in the face of boredom and provocation , he could keep to those good intentions , or whether levity would keep breaking in .
His response , when asked to help the self-employed , or provide personal protective equipment for health staff and care home workers , was almost always that the questioner “ is absolutely right to raise the issue ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will do it as fast as possible ” .
Matt Hancock , the Health Secretary , could be seen further up the Treasury Bench , scowling as Ian Blackford , for the Scottish Nationalists , said that telling the self-employed to wait another day “ simply isn ’ t good enough ” .
Johnson said Blackford was “ making a very important point ” and “ I totally share his desire ” to bring help .
In response to Alistair Carmichael ( Lib Dem , Orkney and Shetland ) , who pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the visitors to those islands are “ overwhelmingly self-employed ” , Johnson went further : Carmichael had said that if the PM led the country successfully through this crisis , he would deserve a holiday , and should spend it on the “ paradise islands ” of Orkney and Shetland .
Johnson replied : “ As for his generous invitation , he should be careful what he wishes for.
” A joke !
By this stage we were grateful for one .
For although solemn people deplore any hint of levity , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear very much solemnity .
Jeremy Hunt , the former Health Secretary , saluted “ the tone of the Prime Minister ’ s very difficult sombre address to the nation on Monday night ” , and asked when weekly tests will be provided for NHS staff , in order to “ remove from them the fear they might be infecting their own patients ” .
Johnson reverted to his standard line : “ as soon as we possibly can ” .
Corbyn now came in for his second round of six questions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ration of PMQs , the Prime Minister really ought to have “ pressed to come here and make a statement ” .
Had John Bercow still been Speaker , that is what the PM would surely have been forced to do , especially as the House will not be sitting for the next four weeks .
Corbyn complained about “ queues of over 110,000 people trying to get into the DWP system ” in order to claim benefits .
Johnson smiled – apparently at some response to the Leader of the Opposition shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reply , but Corbyn told him : “ I haven ’ t finished yet…This is not a time for levity.
” Johnson replied : “ He ’ s absolutely right , this is not a time for levity.
” Corbyn followed up with a line adapted from John Donne : “ No one is an island.
” At last , for a moment , we were in touch with a divinely inspired solemnity :

Jeremy Corbyn’s last PMQs as Leader of the Opposition was also in many ways the strangest. It lasted twice as long as usual, but with far fewer MPs, and in an atmosphere of enforced solidarity mingled with deep anxiety.
Boris Johnson paid tribute to Corbyn “for his service to the party and country”.
Corbyn retorted that this sounded like “a sort of obituary”, whereas “I’ll still be around”.
Johnson remarked, with amusement, that this news “will be warmly welcomed by his successor”.
But the Prime Minister had come to the Chamber intent on sounding solemn and consensual, rather than light or partisan.
Part of the interest of this session lay in seeing whether, in the face of boredom and provocation, he could keep to those good intentions, or whether levity would keep breaking in.
His response, when asked to help the self-employed, or provide personal protective equipment for health staff and care home workers, was almost always that the questioner “is absolutely right to raise the issue”, followed by some variant of “we will do it as fast as possible”.
Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, could be seen further up the Treasury Bench, scowling as Ian Blackford, for the Scottish Nationalists, said that telling the self-employed to wait another day “simply isn’t good enough”.
Johnson said Blackford was “making a very important point” and “I totally share his desire” to bring help.
In response to Alistair Carmichael (Lib Dem, Orkney and Shetland), who pointed out that the people who look after the visitors to those islands are “overwhelmingly self-employed”, Johnson went further:
“I can’t in all candour promise the House that we will be able to get through this crisis without any hardship at all.”
Carmichael had said that if the PM led the country successfully through this crisis, he would deserve a holiday, and should spend it on the “paradise islands” of Orkney and Shetland.
Johnson replied: “As for his generous invitation, he should be careful what he wishes for.”
A joke! By this stage we were grateful for one. For although solemn people deplore any hint of levity, most members of the human race cannot bear very much solemnity.
Jeremy Hunt, the former Health Secretary, saluted “the tone of the Prime Minister’s very difficult sombre address to the nation on Monday night”, and asked when weekly tests will be provided for NHS staff, in order to “remove from them the fear they might be infecting their own patients”.
Johnson reverted to his standard line: “as soon as we possibly can”.
Corbyn now came in for his second round of six questions, and said that instead of this double ration of PMQs, the Prime Minister really ought to have “pressed to come here and make a statement”.
Had John Bercow still been Speaker, that is what the PM would surely have been forced to do, especially as the House will not be sitting for the next four weeks.
Corbyn complained about “queues of over 110,000 people trying to get into the DWP system” in order to claim benefits.
Johnson smiled – apparently at some response to the Leader of the Opposition shouted by a backbencher – and rose to reply, but Corbyn told him: “I haven’t finished yet…This is not a time for levity.”
Johnson replied: “He’s absolutely right, this is not a time for levity.”
Corbyn followed up with a line adapted from John Donne: “No one is an island.”
At last, for a moment, we were in touch with a divinely inspired solemnity:


conservativehome--2020-03-25--WATCH: Corbyn’s last PMQs. “My voice will not be stilled, I’ll be around, I’ll be campaigning, I’ll

WATCH: Corbyn’s last PMQs. “My voice will not be stilled, I’ll be around, I’ll be campaigning, I’ll be arguing,” he says.

“ I believe in a decent , socially just society , ” says Jeremy Corbyn in his final # PMQs @ @ @ @ @ be stilled , I ’ ll be around , I ’ ll be campaigning , @ @ @ @ @ , and I ’ ll be demanding justice for the people of this country ” @ @ @ @

“I believe in a decent, socially just society,” says Jeremy Corbyn in his final #PMQs
“My voice will not be stilled, I’ll be around, I’ll be campaigning, I’ll be arguing, and I’ll be demanding justice for the people of this country”https://t.co/U52WMGUI8J pic.twitter.com/Fuf9AQMR0s
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 25, 2020