conservativehome--2020-05-18--Rudd is right; we need more women in the Coronavirus “war cabinet”

First things first , let me say that like many Conservatives , I find identity politics grating .
I dislike being asked to speak on panels because I am female , and believe the Left ’ s obsession with trying to engineer diversity ( Labour ’ s all-women shortlists , for one ) has been a real election loser .
Even so , dare I say I somewhat agreed with Amber Rudd this week when she complained about the lack of women in the Government ’ s Covid-19 “ war cabinet ” .
On Twitter she said the imbalance was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women from decision making will lead to bad government ” .
In March she raised similar concerns on Radio 4 , saying : “ I don ’ t understand why the very senior , capable women , who are in Government , at the top of Government , are not also being included ” .
Some of these comments caused uproar , partly because – as aforementioned – the public is so jaded with identity politics .
Many have been recently inundated with ridiculous articles about why Jacinda Ardern proves that female leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ density… ) .
Others will note the appearances of Priti Patel at press briefings , along with the fact SAGE has 14 women , as well as Munira Mirza ’ s important role as Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit .
But Rudd directed her words at the “ quad ” of ministers – Sunak , Gove , Hancock and Raab – who mainly decide the UK ’ s political direction , along with the Prime Minister .
They are all very impressive men , incidentally , but the general point remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gender balance in leadership .
The reason for this is simple : men and women are different and they bring different considerations to the table .
Not only is some of this practical ; women around the country , particularly mothers , might appreciate someone sticking up for their needs and concerns .
Although it nowadays feels blasphemous to say , men and women vary neurologically – and this will invariably affect their response to situations .
Yes there are outliers and exemptions , but among the male and female population there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this comes not from brain studies ( although they are important ) , but psychological disorders – which vary significantly between the sexes .
Men are much more likely to have ADHD , dyslexia , Tourette ’ s and autism , and women are generally diagnosed more with emotional disorders .
Autism , as one example , is not the product of socialisation – so its higher prevalence in men supports the thesis of innate , gendered brain differences .
Psychopathy is a particularly interesting phenomenon from a gendered perspective .
Contrary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traits , like extreme confidence , focus , fearlessness even in stressful situations and the ability to read emotions .
For leaders , these qualities can be extremely adaptive – in measured doses .
Who wouldn ’ t want to be ambitious , emotionally intelligent and fearless in negotiating with Michel Barnier ?
But here ’ s the point that brings us back to gender and Covid-19 strategy .
Men tend to have more psychopathic traits and are generally less risk averse than women , who score higher for neuroticism on personality tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains one of the most “ hawkish ” leaders in the Covid-19 battle versus Ardern .
It may also explain why young men are less likely to comply with lockdown .
In a study , researchers found that 150 out of 281 men aged 19-24 had broken the rules to meet with friends , while a fifth had been reprimanded by the police .
They found that these men felt less at risk than others of Covid-19 .
One expert quoted in the BBC said “ we know that males in general take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained that in terms of males trying to show off .
“ They will take more risks and their decision-making processes are shaped by that ” .
In essence , it ’ s quite important to put men and women together when assessing risk .
Both sexes can actually deviate too far on the risk spectrum .
As the sex that scores higher for neuroticism , women might be too cautious .
On the other hand , men can be too risky .
Some have suggested that the financial crisis was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 , one neuroscientist even said testosterone had driven young males to take “ ill-calculated risks “ .
To reiterate , this isn ’ t to be deterministic about men and women .
There are outliers and these are merely patterns recognised in psychological research .
It should be said , too , that the male-led Government itself has been very cautious in its approach , especially as some scientists now say that there will be no second peak , and that lockdown went too far .
But the point still stands ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-wing preoccupation .
When it comes to policies , it ’ s actually an important part of getting the balance right .

First things first, let me say that like many Conservatives, I find identity politics grating.
I dislike being asked to speak on panels because I am female, and believe the Left’s obsession with trying to engineer diversity (Labour’s all-women shortlists, for one) has been a real election loser.
Even so, dare I say I somewhat agreed with Amber Rudd this week when she complained about the lack of women in the Government’s Covid-19 “war cabinet”.
On Twitter she said the imbalance was “extraordinary” and that “excluding women from decision making will lead to bad government”.
In March she raised similar concerns on Radio 4, saying: “I don’t understand why the very senior, capable women, who are in Government, at the top of Government, are not also being included”.
Some of these comments caused uproar, partly because – as aforementioned – the public is so jaded with identity politics.
Many have been recently inundated with ridiculous articles about why Jacinda Ardern proves that female leadership can defeat Covid-19 (never mind population density…).
Others will note the appearances of Priti Patel at press briefings, along with the fact SAGE has 14 women, as well as Munira Mirza’s important role as Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit.
But Rudd directed her words at the “quad” of ministers – Sunak, Gove, Hancock and Raab – who mainly decide the UK’s political direction, along with the Prime Minister.
They are all very impressive men, incidentally, but the general point remains – that it is important to have a gender balance in leadership.
The reason for this is simple: men and women are different and they bring different considerations to the table.
Not only is some of this practical; women around the country, particularly mothers, might appreciate someone sticking up for their needs and concerns.
There’s also a psychological importance to diversity.
Although it nowadays feels blasphemous to say, men and women vary neurologically – and this will invariably affect their response to situations.
Yes there are outliers and exemptions, but among the male and female population there are patterns.
The biggest evidence of this comes not from brain studies (although they are important), but psychological disorders – which vary significantly between the sexes.
Men are much more likely to have ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s and autism, and women are generally diagnosed more with emotional disorders.
Autism, as one example, is not the product of socialisation – so its higher prevalence in men supports the thesis of innate, gendered brain differences.
Psychopathy is a particularly interesting phenomenon from a gendered perspective.
Contrary to common assumption, many people have psychopathic traits, like extreme confidence, focus, fearlessness even in stressful situations and the ability to read emotions.
For leaders, these qualities can be extremely adaptive – in measured doses.
Who wouldn’t want to be ambitious, emotionally intelligent and fearless in negotiating with Michel Barnier?
But here’s the point that brings us back to gender and Covid-19 strategy.
Men tend to have more psychopathic traits and are generally less risk averse than women, who score higher for neuroticism on personality tests.
Perhaps this is why Donald Trump remains one of the most “hawkish” leaders in the Covid-19 battle versus Ardern.
It may also explain why young men are less likely to comply with lockdown.
In a study, researchers found that 150 out of 281 men aged 19-24 had broken the rules to meet with friends, while a fifth had been reprimanded by the police.
They found that these men felt less at risk than others of Covid-19.
One expert quoted in the BBC said “we know that males in general take more risks and evolutionary psychologists have always explained that in terms of males trying to show off.
“They will take more risks and their decision-making processes are shaped by that”.
In essence, it’s quite important to put men and women together when assessing risk.
Both sexes can actually deviate too far on the risk spectrum.
As the sex that scores higher for neuroticism, women might be too cautious.
On the other hand, men can be too risky.
Some have suggested that the financial crisis was one of male overconfidence.
Speaking about it in 2012, one neuroscientist even said testosterone had driven young males to take “ill-calculated risks“.
To reiterate, this isn’t to be deterministic about men and women.
There are outliers and these are merely patterns recognised in psychological research.
It should be said, too, that the male-led Government itself has been very cautious in its approach, especially as some scientists now say that there will be no second peak, and that lockdown went too far.
But the point still stands; gender diversity isn’t just a left-wing preoccupation.
When it comes to policies, it’s actually an important part of getting the balance right.


conservativehome--2020-05-18--Why the track and trace plan is set to be a long hard slog – with its shifting targets, self-isolati

Why the track and trace plan is set to be a long hard slog – with its shifting targets, self-isolation questions and “plough waves”

The key to containing the Coronavirus – social distancing apart – is the Government ’ s test and trace scheme .
Enough tests should provide more information about the R rates that really matter : in other words , not a single national figure , but lots of local ones , which reveal where the virus is growing fastest and among whom .
It would also provide the basis , as we argued last Thursday , for a mix-and-match way out of the lockdown , with areas , towns and perhaps cities opening up where R is discovered to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stalled engine of the economy to re-fire – at least to some extent , depending on the number of places in which R has fallen sufficiently , and the number of restrictions that can be lifted .
To be able to do this , Ministers will need enough tests and trackers to make such a plan practicable – or else , if Ministers shy away from local shutdown liftings , to manage a single national one in England .
Having spoken to Government sources , ConservativeHome can ’ t see any reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or that Boris Johnson will opt for the area-based approach that would lift the lockdown faster .
First , tests .
The Prime Minister has spoken of the capacity to carry 200,000 tests by the end of the month .
That ’ s not the same as 200,000 actually being carried out .
Matt Hancock has done well to build a national testing industry from scratch , and Ministers are now able regularly to announce the delivery of over 100,000 a day at press conferences .
And obviously , even 200,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speedy progress .
The Government estimates that roughly 160,000 people have the virus at the moment , and that number can potentially go up .
In any event , this site was told yesterday that Ministers are “ slightly backing off ” that 200,000 target , such as it is – which suggests it won ’ t be reached .
There is then the second question of how many trackers will be employed to trace those with whom those tested have had contact .
Ministers say that they need 18,000 , and Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will hit its target of recruiting them by the end of the week .
That ’ s good news .
The NHS ’ s Business Services Authority is organising recruitment , and Serco will be one of the biggest providers – which won ’ t necessarily fill everyone with confidence .
The Government is relying on local authorities to provide more trackers who , like Serco ’ s , will call up those infected and run through a checklist of questions about who the latter have recently been in contact with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any one time ?
ConservativeHome was told that the tracking effort must avoid “ plough waves ” – in other words , a surge of calls that could potentially crash the technology being used .
It must be said that the main government systems of the crisis have been well met , with Universal Credit and the furloughing scheme standing up well .
However , Ministers feel that they need to “ get this one out slowly ” , which will limit the speed of progress .
Then there ’ s also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first place .
David Davis says between 20,000 , very close to the Government ’ s figure , and 50,000 .
Bernard Jenkin calculates 45,000 .
Third , there is quarantine .
There would be no point in testing , tracking others with whom they ’ ve been in contact , and then testing them , if all those found to have the virus don ’ t quarantine .
But the South Korean-type original on which the Government is basing its own scheme applies quarantine very strictly , and the methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the privacy-conscious .
These include the use of CCTV footage , credit card transaction data and travel information – not to mention an app on infected peoples ’ smartphones sets of an alarm if they leave a designated quarantine area .
Western attitudes to privacy are very different to Korean ones , and much may depend on the degree to which those with the virus observe home quarantine .
Finally , the Government has a big decision to make – if the scheme really gets going in a big way – about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lifting restrictions .
The sources that we spoke to are very cautious .
One described local variety as a “ complication ” , stressing that “ epidemiologists and the NHS people are very wary of complicating the message ” .
That would suggest all the ships having to travel at the speed of the slowest in the convoy , so to speak : in other words , areas with lower R rates would have to wait for areas with higher ones to catch up .
Though if “ the NHS people ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting the lockdown , we can expect the Treasury people to be more positive : the more restraints come off , after all , the better for the economy .
Another day ; the same conclusion .
In the absence of a vaccine , this is going to be a long hard slog .

The key to containing the Coronavirus – social distancing apart – is the Government’s test and trace scheme.
Enough tests should provide more information about the R rates that really matter: in other words, not a single national figure, but lots of local ones, which reveal where the virus is growing fastest and among whom.
It would also provide the basis, as we argued last Thursday, for a mix-and-match way out of the lockdown, with areas, towns and perhaps cities opening up where R is discovered to have fallen.
That in turn would allow the stalled engine of the economy to re-fire – at least to some extent, depending on the number of places in which R has fallen sufficiently, and the number of restrictions that can be lifted.
To be able to do this, Ministers will need enough tests and trackers to make such a plan practicable – or else, if Ministers shy away from local shutdown liftings, to manage a single national one in England.
Having spoken to Government sources, ConservativeHome can’t see any reason to believe that progress will be swift, or that Boris Johnson will opt for the area-based approach that would lift the lockdown faster.
First, tests. The Prime Minister has spoken of the capacity to carry 200,000 tests by the end of the month. That’s not the same as 200,000 actually being carried out.
Matt Hancock has done well to build a national testing industry from scratch, and Ministers are now able regularly to announce the delivery of over 100,000 a day at press conferences.
(Though again this doesn’t necessarily mean that 100,000 actual tests are being carried out, since that figure includes kits sent in the post and tests not sent yet to laboratories.)
And obviously, even 200,000 tests a day wouldn’t necessarily mean speedy progress. The Government estimates that roughly 160,000 people have the virus at the moment, and that number can potentially go up.
In any event, this site was told yesterday that Ministers are “slightly backing off” that 200,000 target, such as it is – which suggests it won’t be reached.
There is then the second question of how many trackers will be employed to trace those with whom those tested have had contact.
Ministers say that they need 18,000, and Michael Gove was able to announce yesterday that it will hit its target of recruiting them by the end of the week. That’s good news.
The NHS’s Business Services Authority is organising recruitment, and Serco will be one of the biggest providers – which won’t necessarily fill everyone with confidence.
The Government is relying on local authorities to provide more trackers who, like Serco’s, will call up those infected and run through a checklist of questions about who the latter have recently been in contact with.
But how many can be deployed at any one time? ConservativeHome was told that the tracking effort must avoid “plough waves” – in other words, a surge of calls that could potentially crash the technology being used.
It must be said that the main government systems of the crisis have been well met, with Universal Credit and the furloughing scheme standing up well.
However, Ministers feel that they need to “get this one out slowly”, which will limit the speed of progress. Then there’s also the question of how many trackers are needed in the first place.
David Davis says between 20,000, very close to the Government’s figure, and 50,000. Bernard Jenkin calculates 45,000.
Third, there is quarantine. There would be no point in testing, tracking others with whom they’ve been in contact, and then testing them, if all those found to have the virus don’t quarantine.
But the South Korean-type original on which the Government is basing its own scheme applies quarantine very strictly, and the methods used are unlikely to recommend themselves to the privacy-conscious.
These include the use of CCTV footage, credit card transaction data and travel information – not to mention an app on infected peoples’ smartphones sets of an alarm if they leave a designated quarantine area.
Western attitudes to privacy are very different to Korean ones, and much may depend on the degree to which those with the virus observe home quarantine.
Finally, the Government has a big decision to make – if the scheme really gets going in a big way – about whether or not to take the local route to lifting restrictions.
The sources that we spoke to are very cautious. One described local variety as a “complication”, stressing that “epidemiologists and the NHS people are very wary of complicating the message”.
That would suggest all the ships having to travel at the speed of the slowest in the convoy, so to speak: in other words, areas with lower R rates would have to wait for areas with higher ones to catch up.
Though if “the NHS people” are resistant to a locally-based approach to lifting the lockdown, we can expect the Treasury people to be more positive: the more restraints come off, after all, the better for the economy.
Another day; the same conclusion. In the absence of a vaccine, this is going to be a long hard slog.


conservativehome--2020-05-18--Neil O’Brien: Bullying, hostage taking, censorship, bribery. How China is dealing with its critics a

Neil O’Brien: Bullying, hostage taking, censorship, bribery. How China is dealing with its critics abroad.

I wrote in my last column about the Chinese government ’ s coronavirus cover ups and how its unfair , mercantilist economic policies are hurting us .
This article is about the Communist Party ’ s attempt to “ export ” its model , and bully the west into self-censorship .
Let ’ s start by considering China under Xi Jinping .
It ’ s diverging from the west .
Xi declared himself President for life , proclaiming a “ new era ” with a stronger role for the Party .
He has a personality cult : “ Xi Jinping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivals , cracking down on human rights .
Up to a million Uyghur muslims are imprisoned in “ re-education camps ” .
Under cover of coronavirus , Beijing arrested leading pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong .
It deploys unprecedented technology to control the population ( imagine the Stasi with access to AI ) .
It ’ s developing “ social credit ” systems mean small things like crossing the road when the light ’ s red , or not buying a train ticket , are held against you .
Journalists and lawyers disappear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail .
The internet is censored in real time .
Several people were jailed just for calling President Xi a “ steamed bun ” in private texts .
Xi ’ s speeches reveal a man profoundly opposed to western ideals .
He regards himself as the antithesis of Michael Gorbachev .
Xi argues it was a mistake to lose faith with Lenin and Stalin ’ s ideas : To say the Chinese regime is no longer westernising is an understatement .
China is taking control of disputed areas of the South China sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to build military bases there .
But the problem I want to talk isn ’ t the military threat .
The issue is this .
China has a huge , dynamic economy .
It ’ s highly integrated with the rest of the world .
That integration both gives it both a huge incentive to mute criticism , and huge leverage to do so .
There are two levels to the Chinese government ’ s approach .
In developing countries where democracy is weak or absent , the Chinese government takes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offer of surveillance technology to make friends with leaders .
In developed democracies the approach is more sophisticated , it tries to influence public opinion , and encourage self-censorship using economic clout .
Let ’ s take them in turn , starting with developing countries .
President Xi Jinping says China offers an alternative to Westernisation : Through the “ Belt and Road ” programme ( BRI ) China offers to build developing countries infrastructure and lend them the funds to pay for it .
Unlike western aid , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strings attached .
The programme has a triple advantage for China : allowing it to dispose of surpluses produced by its state-run economy , directly growing its power over borrowing governments , and helping ensure Chinese firms in those markets beat western rivals .
Up to $ 1 trillion in loans have been promised and 138 countries signed up .
Sometimes the transaction is direct .
In Djibouti , China exchanged infrastructure for a new military base .
But often the loans are a debt trap .
China borrows from the World Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s your money ) and loans it on at up to six per cent .
When countries can ’ t pay back , they have to hand something over .
China has secured everything from a port in Sri Lanka to a deep-space tracking facility in Argentina .
But money isn ’ t all China ’ s government can offer developing country leaders .
In Uganda and Zambia , Huawei employees used mobile phone data to track down members of opposition parties and intercept their communications .
In some countries , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BRI that it ’ s led to Beijing-friendly governments getting kicked out , as in Malaysia .
More often , corruption often gives China a further degree of leverage .
If you are an autocrat leader in a developing country , the mix of funds for modernisation , plus the prospect of pocketing some for personal gain , plus access to advanced surveillance technology adds up to a very attractive proposition .
But the Chinese government wants to influence developed countries too .
First , business leaders must censor themselves if they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted the Dalai Lama in an advert .
It had to apologise .
Sony Pictures re-edited the global versions of films to please China ’ s censors .
US basketball was banned from lucrative Chinese TV after just one manager ’ s pro-democracy tweet .
Despite an apology , state media says it won ’ t come back till he is dealt with , i.e .
sacked .
Some western business people proactively suck up to the government or even help Beijing embarrass their own governments .
Britain ’ s universities and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment .
Just a whiff of it changes behaviour .
In the Financial Times , Gideon Rachman reported : Several universities have cancelled events or uninvited speakers after pressure from Beijing .
China invests in shaping public opinion .
A recent EU report found China was spreading disinformation online .
Beijing put pressure on the EU to delete the finding that it was running “ a global disinformation campaign to deflect blame for the outbreak ” .
Such ironies abound .
I was reading a Washington Post article about China ’ s disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a paid-for advert taking readers to a Chinese state media report on… what a great job the Communist Party is doing .
At least during the Cold War you didn ’ t get pop-up ads for Pravda .
China puts pressure on governments directly .
Mette Frederiksen , the Danish Prime Minister , was threatened that investment in her country will suffer if Huawei isn ’ t allowed to supply 5G .
China ’ s ambassadors now talk like Mafiosi : their ambassador to Sweden warned : “ for our enemies we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mafia too .
Canada arrested Huawei ’ s Chief Finance Officer on fraud charges .
So China took two Canadians hostage .
It works .
A journalist asks a WHO official about Taiwan .
He hangs up .
MPs ask François-Philippe Champagne , the Canadian Foreign Minister , if he will say thanks to Taiwan for face masks .
He can ’ t bring himself to say it .
China ’ s mute button is getting more effective .
The Chinese government is adept at harnessing the west for things it needs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it an anaconda which doesn ’ t need to move much to provoke fear .
Economically and politically , Beijing takes advantage of asymmetric openness : we ’ re open to them , but they are not to us .
My fear is that with China as the world ’ s biggest economy , with firms and western institutions desperate to curry favour , we ’ ll fall into a kind of Finlandisation .
For politicians it will look attractive to steer well clear of criticising Beijing .
So we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our peace .

Neil O’Brien is MP for Harborough.
I wrote in my last column about the Chinese government’s coronavirus cover ups and how its unfair, mercantilist economic policies are hurting us. This article is about the Communist Party’s attempt to “export” its model, and bully the west into self-censorship.
Let’s start by considering China under Xi Jinping. It’s diverging from the west. Xi declared himself President for life, proclaiming a “new era” with a stronger role for the Party. He has a personality cult: “Xi Jinping Thought”.
He’s purged rivals, cracking down on human rights. Up to a million Uyghur muslims are imprisoned in “re-education camps”. Under cover of coronavirus, Beijing arrested leading pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. It deploys unprecedented technology to control the population (imagine the Stasi with access to AI).
It’s developing “social credit” systems mean small things like crossing the road when the light’s red, or not buying a train ticket, are held against you. Journalists and lawyers disappear without trace. People are tortured in jail. The internet is censored in real time. Several people were jailed just for calling President Xi a “steamed bun” in private texts.
Xi’s speeches reveal a man profoundly opposed to western ideals. He regards himself as the antithesis of Michael Gorbachev. Xi argues it was a mistake to lose faith with Lenin and Stalin’s ideas:
“Why did the Soviet Union disintegrate? Why did the Soviet Communist Party collapse? An important reason was that their ideals and beliefs had been shaken… It’s a profound lesson for us! … to dismiss Lenin and Stalin… confuses our thoughts and undermines the Party’s organizations on all levels. Why must we stand firm on the Party’s leadership over the military? Because that’s the lesson from the collapse of the Soviet Union… Proportionally, the Soviet Communist Party had more members than we do, but nobody was man enough to stand up and resist.”
To say the Chinese regime is no longer westernising is an understatement. China is taking control of disputed areas of the South China sea, reneging on promises to Barack Obama not to build military bases there. But the problem I want to talk isn’t the military threat.
The issue is this. China has a huge, dynamic economy. It’s highly integrated with the rest of the world. That integration both gives it both a huge incentive to mute criticism, and huge leverage to do so.
There are two levels to the Chinese government’s approach.
In developing countries where democracy is weak or absent, the Chinese government takes a direct approach, using infrastructure loans and the offer of surveillance technology to make friends with leaders.
In developed democracies the approach is more sophisticated, it tries to influence public opinion, and encourage self-censorship using economic clout.
Let’s take them in turn, starting with developing countries.
President Xi Jinping says China offers an alternative to Westernisation:
“Scientific socialism is full of vitality in 21st century China, and that the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics is now flying high and proud for all to see… socialism with Chinese characteristics [is] blazing a new trail for other developing countries to achieve modernization. It offers a new option for other countries and nations who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence.”
Through the “Belt and Road” programme (BRI) China offers to build developing countries infrastructure and lend them the funds to pay for it. Unlike western aid, there’s no pesky human rights, or environmental strings attached.
The programme has a triple advantage for China: allowing it to dispose of surpluses produced by its state-run economy, directly growing its power over borrowing governments, and helping ensure Chinese firms in those markets beat western rivals. Up to $1 trillion in loans have been promised and 138 countries signed up.
Sometimes the transaction is direct. In Djibouti, China exchanged infrastructure for a new military base. But often the loans are a debt trap. China borrows from the World Bank at one per cent (that’s your money) and loans it on at up to six per cent. When countries can’t pay back, they have to hand something over. China has secured everything from a port in Sri Lanka to a deep-space tracking facility in Argentina.
But money isn’t all China’s government can offer developing country leaders. In Uganda and Zambia, Huawei employees used mobile phone data to track down members of opposition parties and intercept their communications.
In some countries, there’s been so much corruption associated with BRI that it’s led to Beijing-friendly governments getting kicked out, as in Malaysia.
More often, corruption often gives China a further degree of leverage. If you are an autocrat leader in a developing country, the mix of funds for modernisation, plus the prospect of pocketing some for personal gain, plus access to advanced surveillance technology adds up to a very attractive proposition.
But the Chinese government wants to influence developed countries too.
First, business leaders must censor themselves if they want to do business in China. Daimler quoted the Dalai Lama in an advert. It had to apologise. Sony Pictures re-edited the global versions of films to please China’s censors. US basketball was banned from lucrative Chinese TV after just one manager’s pro-democracy tweet. Despite an apology, state media says it won’t come back till he is dealt with, i.e. sacked. Some western business people proactively suck up to the government or even help Beijing embarrass their own governments.
Britain’s universities and local government are desperate for Chinese students and investment. Just a whiff of it changes behaviour. In the Financial Times, Gideon Rachman reported:
“A politics lecturer at a British university told me recently that he had been asked by university authorities if he could remove a poster of the Tiananmen Square “tank man” from his office wall because it might be offensive to Chinese students.”
Several universities have cancelled events or uninvited speakers after pressure from Beijing.
China invests in shaping public opinion. A recent EU report found China was spreading disinformation online. Beijing put pressure on the EU to delete the finding that it was running “a global disinformation campaign to deflect blame for the outbreak”.
Such ironies abound. I was reading a Washington Post article about China’s disinformation campaign online. Placed in it there was a paid-for advert taking readers to a Chinese state media report on… what a great job the Communist Party is doing. At least during the Cold War you didn’t get pop-up ads for Pravda.
China puts pressure on governments directly. Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, was threatened that investment in her country will suffer if Huawei isn’t allowed to supply 5G. China’s ambassadors now talk like Mafiosi: their ambassador to Sweden warned: “for our enemies we have shotguns”.
They behave like mafia too. Canada arrested Huawei’s Chief Finance Officer on fraud charges. So China took two Canadians hostage. It works.
A journalist asks a WHO official about Taiwan. He hangs up. MPs ask François-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian Foreign Minister, if he will say thanks to Taiwan for face masks. He can’t bring himself to say it.
China’s mute button is getting more effective. The Chinese government is adept at harnessing the west for things it needs, while promoting self-censorship: one writer compared to it an anaconda which doesn’t need to move much to provoke fear.
Economically and politically, Beijing takes advantage of asymmetric openness: we’re open to them, but they are not to us.
My fear is that with China as the world’s biggest economy, with firms and western institutions desperate to curry favour, we’ll fall into a kind of Finlandisation. For politicians it will look attractive to steer well clear of criticising Beijing. So we need to speak up now – or forever hold our peace.


conservativehome--2020-05-18--Shaun Bailey: Bad management made the bailout of Transport for London necessary

Shaun Bailey is a member of the London Assembly and the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London .
Transport for London is broke .
So last week , the government had to step in and give it a bailout worth £1.6 billion .
This is good news for key workers , for Londoners , for our economy .
Bus and tube services will return to normal and people will be able to get to work .
But it ’ s bad news for Sadiq Khan , the Mayor of London .
Let me explain why .
Given the situation we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable .
Those of us who can stay at home are staying at home .
So bus and tube use has fallen massively — along with TfL ’ s revenue .
TfL ’ s chairman , Sadiq Khan , was right to ask for a bailout .
Any other mayor would have been in the same position .
But that ’ s not the whole story .
Khan originally asked for a bailout of £3.2 billion , a sum far higher than the financial impact of coronavirus .
And that ’ s because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus .
The bailout he wanted was for coronavirus and four years of bad management .
Turn back the clock to just before Sadiq Khan became mayor .
TfL had healthy finances and they had a plan for the future : to put their funding on a sustainable footing .
As mayor , Boris Johnson had already found £12 billion in savings .
The next mayor only had to find £4 billion in savings in order to put TfL in a sustainable position .
But Khan didn ’ t follow Boris ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even follow basic maths .
Khan pledged to freeze fares and increase TfL ’ s profits — all without cutting spending .
His opponents , including the Greens and UKIP , told him it was impossible .
And they were right .
Not that Khan minded .
He focused on his fare freeze and didn ’ t bother to look for more savings .
And even after all that , he still managed to break his pledge .
If you ’ ve got a travel card , or if you use the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re paying more for your travel than in 2016 .
The only fares he ended up freezing were single fares .
But most Londoners didn ’ t notice — because most Londoners don ’ t use single fares .
Khan tried to claim that this was his plan all along .
I ’ m not sure how he can claim that .
So far , his partial fare freeze has cost TfL over £640 million .
Was that part of his plan too ?
Meanwhile , Crossrail has been delayed multiple times — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We still don ’ t have a firm opening date for this service that we badly need .
And forget about Crossrail 2 .
Sadiq Khan certainly seems to have forgotten about it .
Sadly , this is normal for our Mayor .
He has delayed or cancelled 17 big infrastructure projects , like the upgrade to the Piccadilly Line .
One in eight of London ’ s major roads are in a bad state of repair .
The mayor can ’ t take projects forward but he ’ s managed to drag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can actually put a number on it .
TfL now has debts of £13 billion .
By May next year , those debts will be £14 billion , the maximum level of debt that TfL is allowed to reach .
The worst thing is that Londoners are stuck with the bills .
We ’ re stuck with the bill for all that debt — £400 million in interest payments every single year .
And we ’ re stuck with the bill for higher fares .
Because TfL has finally admitted that fares will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of inflation .
A subject that Khan seems keen to avoid .
So now we know what four years of bad management looks like .
The mayor broke his pledge to freeze fares , while still managing to lose revenue .
He delayed or cancelled infrastructure projects , while still managing to lose savings .
TfL should never have needed such a big bailout .
The bad news for Sadiq Khan is that the bailout comes with strings attached .
TfL will need to return tube services to 100 per cent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay Alert ’ advertising across TfL .
Staff absences need to be reported direct to the government .
A review of TfL ’ s finances and structure is set to follow .
And government officials will now sit on TfL ’ s board .
These are tough conditions .
But this Mayor needs tough conditions .
Or as a senior government source put it , ‘ We were not prepared to accept ludicrous demands from a profligate Mayor and this money comes with many strings attached.
’ So let ’ s be grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan out .
And let ’ s be grateful that Londoners can express their view of this mess at the polling station next year .

Shaun Bailey is a member of the London Assembly and the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London.
Transport for London is broke. So last week, the government had to step in and give it a bailout worth £1.6 billion.
This is good news for key workers, for Londoners, for our economy. Bus and tube services will return to normal and people will be able to get to work.
But it’s bad news for Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. Let me explain why.
Given the situation we’re in, a bailout seems reasonable. Those of us who can stay at home are staying at home. So bus and tube use has fallen massively — along with TfL’s revenue. TfL’s chairman, Sadiq Khan, was right to ask for a bailout. Any other mayor would have been in the same position.
But that’s not the whole story. Khan originally asked for a bailout of £3.2 billion, a sum far higher than the financial impact of coronavirus. And that’s because the bailout he wanted wasn’t for coronavirus. The bailout he wanted was for coronavirus and four years of bad management.
Turn back the clock to just before Sadiq Khan became mayor. TfL had healthy finances and they had a plan for the future: to put their funding on a sustainable footing. As mayor, Boris Johnson had already found £12 billion in savings. The next mayor only had to find £4 billion in savings in order to put TfL in a sustainable position.
But Khan didn’t follow Boris’s example. He didn’t even follow basic maths. Khan pledged to freeze fares and increase TfL’s profits — all without cutting spending. His opponents, including the Greens and UKIP, told him it was impossible. And they were right. Not that Khan minded. He focused on his fare freeze and didn’t bother to look for more savings. And even after all that, he still managed to break his pledge. If you’ve got a travel card, or if you use the daily or weekly Oyster cap, you’re paying more for your travel than in 2016.
The only fares he ended up freezing were single fares. But most Londoners didn’t notice — because most Londoners don’t use single fares. Khan tried to claim that this was his plan all along. I’m not sure how he can claim that. So far, his partial fare freeze has cost TfL over £640 million. Was that part of his plan too?
Meanwhile, Crossrail has been delayed multiple times — costing £1.35 billion in lost fares. We still don’t have a firm opening date for this service that we badly need. And forget about Crossrail 2. Sadiq Khan certainly seems to have forgotten about it. Sadly, this is normal for our Mayor. He has delayed or cancelled 17 big infrastructure projects, like the upgrade to the Piccadilly Line. One in eight of London’s major roads are in a bad state of repair. The mayor can’t take projects forward but he’s managed to drag London’s transport backwards.
You can actually put a number on it. TfL now has debts of £13 billion. By May next year, those debts will be £14 billion, the maximum level of debt that TfL is allowed to reach. The worst thing is that Londoners are stuck with the bills. We’re stuck with the bill for all that debt — £400 million in interest payments every single year. And we’re stuck with the bill for higher fares. Because TfL has finally admitted that fares will have to increase by more than the rate of inflation. A subject that Khan seems keen to avoid.
So now we know what four years of bad management looks like. The mayor broke his pledge to freeze fares, while still managing to lose revenue. He delayed or cancelled infrastructure projects, while still managing to lose savings. TfL should never have needed such a big bailout. The bad news for Sadiq Khan is that the bailout comes with strings attached. TfL will need to return tube services to 100 per cent. They’ll need to put ‘Stay Alert’ advertising across TfL. Staff absences need to be reported direct to the government. A review of TfL’s finances and structure is set to follow. And government officials will now sit on TfL’s board.
These are tough conditions. But this Mayor needs tough conditions. Or as a senior government source put it, ‘We were not prepared to accept ludicrous demands from a profligate Mayor and this money comes with many strings attached.’
So let’s be grateful that the government can afford to bail Khan out. And let’s be grateful that Londoners can express their view of this mess at the polling station next year.


conservativehome--2020-05-18--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Independent Reviewer of Prevent – 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 a non-executive director , you will play an active role on the board of SLC , supporting the SLC Executive Team and SLC Chair to deliver the company ’ s portfolio of priorities , overcome challenges and exploit opportunities , including the continued growth of its customer base , delivery of recommendations from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of the Review of Post-18 Education .
A key element of the role will be to work with the board to ensure that the resources and skills available to the Company are commensurate with and focussed on its delivery obligations .
The SLC administers the data underpinning one of Government ’ s major assets : the Student Loan book .
This data supports the sale of tranches of loans to monetise that asset for the benefit of the exchequer and taxpayers ( £3.6bn raised to date ) .
There may be other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the widest sense , of the SLC ’ s data in the future.
” “ The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner will be a visible leader and exemplar , establishing a strong network and creating a vision of future service provision for veterans in Northern Ireland which supports the realisation of the ambition shared across the United Kingdom to be the best place in the world to be a veteran .
The Commissioner must balance this strategic vision with managing short and long-term priorities , while remaining sensitive to the unique political and historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be influential with others and work constructively with senior stakeholders , from public sector organisations and the ex-service sector , to support improved outcomes through collaboration and negotiation.
” “ The Social Security Advisory Committee ( SSAC ) is an independent statutory advisory body , funded by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) .
It has the following statutory functions : to perform , on behalf of both the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Parliament , a mandatory scrutiny of most of the proposed secondary legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to provide advice and assistance to the Secretary of State , whether in response to a specific request from the UK Government or on its own initiative .
In addition to the scrutiny of proposals for secondary legislation , the Committee ’ s general advisory functions are deployed to : inform the Committee ’ s work , improving members ’ ability to scrutinise regulations and provide independent advice to Ministers ; add value to the debate on a topic that is of current interest to Government and stakeholders ; and stimulate debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and amongst stakeholders.
” “ The Independent Review of Prevent will deliver on the Government ’ s commitment set out in the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and will critically examine and report on the Prevent strategy , as set out in CONTEST June 2018 .
We are seeking a highly talented individual of unquestionable independence , integrity and credibility , who can demonstrate his or her ability to exercise sound judgment and analysis at pace and under pressure , with close public and ministerial scrutiny .
This is high profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to appoint a credible and talented Independent Reviewer who is confident engaging with a wide range of interested parties , from civil society and community organisations , to Ministers and local practitioners.
” “ The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration provides independent scrutiny of the UK ’ s border and immigration functions , providing security , confidence and assurance as to their effectiveness and efficiency .
They report annually to the Home Secretary and their reports are placed before Parliament .
Leading a team of approximately 30 staff you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s approach to the Border , Immigration and Citizenship System .
Candidates will have experience of working successfully at a senior level , ideally within a regulation or enforcement arena .
Whatever your background , you will appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents .
Excellent communication skills , decisiveness , independence and unquestionable integrity will be essential.
” “ The Imperial War Museum ( IWM ) was founded in 1917 to record the story of the Great War .
Its remit was subsequently extended to cover the Second World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leading authority on conflict and its impact focusing on Britain , its former Empire and the Commonwealth , from the First World War to the present .
The IWM is a single institution with a single purpose , fulfilled in different ways at its different branches , both physical and virtual .
In addition to its headquarters building , IWM London , in Southwark , the Museum ’ s branches comprise the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London , IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire , and IWM North in Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stunning building by Daniel Libeskind .
The IWM has traditionally had a Trustee on its Board from each of the three branches of the armed forces , and is currently recruiting for two Trustees to represent the RAF and Navy branches.
” Time : Up to one day per month .

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Student Loans Company Board – Non-Executive Directors
“As a non-executive director, you will play an active role on the board of SLC, supporting the SLC Executive Team and SLC Chair to deliver the company’s portfolio of priorities, overcome challenges and exploit opportunities, including the continued growth of its customer base, delivery of recommendations from the Tailored Review (Annex 3) and implementation of the Review of Post-18 Education. A key element of the role will be to work with the board to ensure that the resources and skills available to the Company are commensurate with and focussed on its delivery obligations. The SLC administers the data underpinning one of Government’s major assets: the Student Loan book. This data supports the sale of tranches of loans to monetise that asset for the benefit of the exchequer and taxpayers (£3.6bn raised to date). There may be other opportunities to realise the value, in the widest sense, of the SLC’s data in the future.”
Time: Two days per month.
Remuneration: £12,000, up to £17,000.
Closes: 19 May
– – – – – – – – – –
Northern Ireland Office – Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner
“The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner will be a visible leader and exemplar, establishing a strong network and creating a vision of future service provision for veterans in Northern Ireland which supports the realisation of the ambition shared across the United Kingdom to be the best place in the world to be a veteran. The Commissioner must balance this strategic vision with managing short and long-term priorities, while remaining sensitive to the unique political and historical context in Northern Ireland. The Commissioner will be influential with others and work constructively with senior stakeholders, from public sector organisations and the ex-service sector, to support improved outcomes through collaboration and negotiation.”
Time: Approx. 110 days per annum.
Remuneration: £306 per diem plus expenses.
Closes: 22 May
– – – – – – – – – –
Social Security Advisory Committee – Chair
“The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is an independent statutory advisory body, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It has the following statutory functions: to perform, on behalf of both the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Parliament, a mandatory scrutiny of most of the proposed secondary legislation that underpins the social welfare system; and to provide advice and assistance to the Secretary of State, whether in response to a specific request from the UK Government or on its own initiative. In addition to the scrutiny of proposals for secondary legislation, the Committee’s general advisory functions are deployed to: inform the Committee’s work, improving members’ ability to scrutinise regulations and provide independent advice to Ministers; add value to the debate on a topic that is of current interest to Government and stakeholders; and stimulate debate of a specific topic within the Committee and amongst stakeholders.”
Time: Five days per month.
Remuneration: £22,000 per annum.
Closes: 01 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Independent Reviewer of Prevent
“The Independent Review of Prevent will deliver on the Government’s commitment set out in the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and will critically examine and report on the Prevent strategy, as set out in CONTEST June 2018. We are seeking a highly talented individual of unquestionable independence, integrity and credibility, who can demonstrate his or her ability to exercise sound judgment and analysis at pace and under pressure, with close public and ministerial scrutiny. This is high profile and public-facing role, so we are seeking to appoint a credible and talented Independent Reviewer who is confident engaging with a wide range of interested parties, from civil society and community organisations, to Ministers and local practitioners.”
Time: Five days per month.
Remuneration: £140,000 pro rata.
Closes: 01 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
“The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration provides independent scrutiny of the UK’s border and immigration functions, providing security, confidence and assurance as to their effectiveness and efficiency. They report annually to the Home Secretary and their reports are placed before Parliament. Leading a team of approximately 30 staff you will strive to continually improve the UK’s approach to the Border, Immigration and Citizenship System. Candidates will have experience of working successfully at a senior level, ideally within a regulation or enforcement arena. Whatever your background, you will appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents. Excellent communication skills, decisiveness, independence and unquestionable integrity will be essential.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £130,000
Closes: 06 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Imperial War Museum – RAF Trustee and Navy Trustee
“The Imperial War Museum (IWM) was founded in 1917 to record the story of the Great War. Its remit was subsequently extended to cover the Second World War and today, IWM is the world’s leading authority on conflict and its impact focusing on Britain, its former Empire and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present. The IWM is a single institution with a single purpose, fulfilled in different ways at its different branches, both physical and virtual. In addition to its headquarters building, IWM London, in Southwark, the Museum’s branches comprise the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London, IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire, and IWM North in Trafford, Greater Manchester which is housed in a stunning building by Daniel Libeskind. The IWM has traditionally had a Trustee on its Board from each of the three branches of the armed forces, and is currently recruiting for two Trustees to represent the RAF and Navy branches.”
Time: Up to one day per month.
Remuneration: Expenses reasonably incurred.
Closes: 12 June


conservativehome--2020-05-19--Andy Street: Easing the lockdown means trusting the people

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands , and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis .
After seven long weeks of lockdown , we have moved into a new phase .
It is time to put our trust in the British people .
The Government has set out its roadmap to exit the lockdown .
That means cautiously encouraging a return to the workplace for those who can not work from home and gently easing lockdown restrictions , while still emphasising the vital importance of social distancing in keeping down the infection rate .
From the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government has made the right judgement to move now .
Having declared that the peak of the outbreak is now passed , we must start plotting how to reawaken our region ’ s economy in a safe way .
That means progressing forward with small , sensible steps towards establishing a new normal – steps that must be conditional , based on the data provided by the scientists who are watching the evolution of the outbreak .
In his address to the nation last week , the Prime Minister announced a cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was followed by a considerable amount of guidance .
That guidance is rightly framed with practical measures to enable us to move forward .
However , we all accept this is an unprecedented crisis , which has affected all facets of our daily lives .
It is simply not possible for Government guidance to cover every situation and every individual in all circumstances .
It is guidance , not regulation .
From the very start of this outbreak , the British people have shown that they have the spirit , discipline and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis we have faced in generations .
From the hundreds of thousands who volunteered to help the NHS , to the self-motivated groups supporting the vulnerable in every community , people have shown that they are willing to play their own , personal role in defeating coronavirus .
The weekly applause for the NHS and key workers – and a million spontaneous acts of community kindness – show that , while the British people may have been locked away for nearly two months , they are not passively awaiting instruction .
As is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adversity , the British people want to play their part .
That is why I believe , as we begin the delicate process of easing the lockdown , the Government is right to trust the British people to weigh up the guidance given and apply it to their own circumstances .
This approach is about trusting in our traditions of fair play and common sense .
That innate sense of fair play means that , as we welcome additional freedom into our individual lives , we will not abuse those freedoms to imperil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by images of the inevitable few who flout the rules .
Millions of people have spent months locked away .
The British people will not take risks that could render the personal sacrifices so many have made worthless .
As we tentatively bring our economy out of hibernation , the Government can rely on the common sense of businesses , employers and individuals to plan their own route back to safe operation .
They know their staff , their customers and what is needed to get their businesses up-and-running better than any Whitehall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown we have seen many different industries adapt to maintain safe operation , from supermarkets to warehouses , and from big factories to high street butchers .
By staying open , businesses of all kinds have shown that they understand the responsibility they have to their employees , clients and the public at large .
Now , more and more businesses are starting to return , as return they must .
This Government has provided unprecedented fiscal support for businesses , from tax deferments to the extended staff furlough scheme , protecting firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we move to the next phase , it is right to give them the guidance they need without unnecessary regulation .
I ’ m confident we can rely on the people who built the businesses of our region to shoulder their responsibility to help restart the economy safely .
Here in the West Midlands we are seeing construction resuming , the housing market restarting and our all-important car industry reviving – with 2,000 people returning to work at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull .
Even those businesses that are furthest away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
From huge venues like the National Exhibition Centre to high street hair stylists and restaurants , bosses and owners are now considering how they will reopen their doors when Government guidance tells them the time is right .
That timing , as always , will be driven by the scientists and medics who have advised the Government throughout the outbreak .
They , in turn , are led by the data coming out of our universities and hospitals as we work to avoid a second wave of the virus that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
The NHS Nightingale Hospital at the NEC stands ready should there be a second wave .
In our region , the R rate is now 0.68 – considerable progress for a densely-populated region that has been badly affected by the outbreak .
Another ready measure of progress in the West Midlands is the daily infection rate – now regularly under 50 – representing less than two per cent of the country .
Our NHS and its staff have demonstrated immense resilience and determination – ensuring that a significant proportion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the University Hospitals Birmingham Trust .
It is now possible to slowly , cautiously and conditionally move forward .
The Government has been criticised by some opposition politicians , who demand detailed instructions to direct people back to normality .
They underestimate the British people and their willingness to play their own personal part in ending this crisis .
There is no doubt that we face huge challenges as we awaken from seven weeks of lockdown .
The country has never been through this before .
With clear guidance and diligent planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up as soon as is safely possible .

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands, and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis.
After seven long weeks of lockdown, we have moved into a new phase. It is time to put our trust in the British people.
The Government has set out its roadmap to exit the lockdown. That means cautiously encouraging a return to the workplace for those who cannot work from home and gently easing lockdown restrictions, while still emphasising the vital importance of social distancing in keeping down the infection rate.
From the West Midlands point of view, I believe the Government has made the right judgement to move now. Having declared that the peak of the outbreak is now passed, we must start plotting how to reawaken our region’s economy in a safe way. That means progressing forward with small, sensible steps towards establishing a new normal – steps that must be conditional, based on the data provided by the scientists who are watching the evolution of the outbreak.
In his address to the nation last week, the Prime Minister announced a cautious and conditional easing of lockdown restrictions. This was followed by a considerable amount of guidance.
That guidance is rightly framed with practical measures to enable us to move forward. However, we all accept this is an unprecedented crisis, which has affected all facets of our daily lives. It is simply not possible for Government guidance to cover every situation and every individual in all circumstances. It is guidance, not regulation.
From the very start of this outbreak, the British people have shown that they have the spirit, discipline and unity to handle the most serious health crisis we have faced in generations. From the hundreds of thousands who volunteered to help the NHS, to the self-motivated groups supporting the vulnerable in every community, people have shown that they are willing to play their own, personal role in defeating coronavirus.
The weekly applause for the NHS and key workers – and a million spontaneous acts of community kindness – show that, while the British people may have been locked away for nearly two months, they are not passively awaiting instruction. As is always the case when our nation faces adversity, the British people want to play their part.
That is why I believe, as we begin the delicate process of easing the lockdown, the Government is right to trust the British people to weigh up the guidance given and apply it to their own circumstances.
This approach is about trusting in our traditions of fair play and common sense. That innate sense of fair play means that, as we welcome additional freedom into our individual lives, we will not abuse those freedoms to imperil others. We must not be distracted by images of the inevitable few who flout the rules. Millions of people have spent months locked away. The British people will not take risks that could render the personal sacrifices so many have made worthless.
As we tentatively bring our economy out of hibernation, the Government can rely on the common sense of businesses, employers and individuals to plan their own route back to safe operation. They know their staff, their customers and what is needed to get their businesses up-and-running better than any Whitehall mandarin. After all, throughout the lockdown we have seen many different industries adapt to maintain safe operation, from supermarkets to warehouses, and from big factories to high street butchers.
By staying open, businesses of all kinds have shown that they understand the responsibility they have to their employees, clients and the public at large.
Now, more and more businesses are starting to return, as return they must. This Government has provided unprecedented fiscal support for businesses, from tax deferments to the extended staff furlough scheme, protecting firms as the economy hibernates. Now, as we move to the next phase, it is right to give them the guidance they need without unnecessary regulation. I’m confident we can rely on the people who built the businesses of our region to shoulder their responsibility to help restart the economy safely.
Here in the West Midlands we are seeing construction resuming, the housing market restarting and our all-important car industry reviving – with 2,000 people returning to work at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull.
Even those businesses that are furthest away from re-opening are planning how they will do so. From huge venues like the National Exhibition Centre to high street hair stylists and restaurants, bosses and owners are now considering how they will reopen their doors when Government guidance tells them the time is right.
That timing, as always, will be driven by the scientists and medics who have advised the Government throughout the outbreak. They, in turn, are led by the data coming out of our universities and hospitals as we work to avoid a second wave of the virus that would undo all that we have achieved through the lockdown. The NHS Nightingale Hospital at the NEC stands ready should there be a second wave.
In our region, the R rate is now 0.68 – considerable progress for a densely-populated region that has been badly affected by the outbreak. Another ready measure of progress in the West Midlands is the daily infection rate – now regularly under 50 – representing less than two per cent of the country.
Our NHS and its staff have demonstrated immense resilience and determination – ensuring that a significant proportion of urgent non-COVID treatments are still being completed by the University Hospitals Birmingham Trust. It is now possible to slowly, cautiously and conditionally move forward.
The Government has been criticised by some opposition politicians, who demand detailed instructions to direct people back to normality. They underestimate the British people and their willingness to play their own personal part in ending this crisis.
There is no doubt that we face huge challenges as we awaken from seven weeks of lockdown. The country has never been through this before. With clear guidance and diligent planning, we can allow the economy to open up as soon as is safely possible.


conservativehome--2020-05-19--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Independent Reviewer of Prevent – and more


R = Retreat?

The reproduction or R rate for the Coronavirus is of limited value , at least as a single national figure .
It doesn ’ t tell one who has the disease and where – in other words , what local rates are .
So if for example there is a rise concentrated in hospitals and care homes , as some claim there is at present , this will drive any upward increase in R , which would therefore be misleading as an indicator of that rate elsewhere .
In any event , that national figure will have a range , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced , because the testing , death and admissions data takes time to come in .
Furthermore , R is subject to distortion .
Consider the virus in care homes and hospitals .
It is driving up R because heir own R average was higher to start with , and they now represent a greater share of the overall R average .
All this may help to explain why , if one reads between the lines , the Government is subtly loosening the ties that bind it to R. In his recent address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slide with five bands , each of which represents a different alert level .
The lower the level , the less the restriction .
Ministers ’ aim at present is to get the UK down from level four ( at which transmission is “ high or rising exponentially ” to level three ( at which the Coronavirus is simply “ in general circulation ” ) .
The Prime Minister said that these levels will be determined “ primarily by R ” [ our italic ] .
That leaves quite a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre , which will be responsible for setting the alert levels .
Jenny Harries , the Deputy Chief Medical Officer , gave an indication how this room for manoeuvre might be used at last Friday ’ s daily Government press conference .
She said that “ the real outcome is the reduction in the number of cases , that is our focus , not the R ” .
And it isn ’ t hard to see how the gradual rollout of test and trace could give the JBC further flexibility .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s recent announcement of a testing capacity of 200,000 by the end of this month has not been officially discared – the more will be known about local R-rates .
That would potentially give the Government the opportunity to run a more locally varied lockdown .
ConservativeHome pushed the idea last week , and Fraser Nelson has suggested lifting the shutdown in London .
This site has to report that we are finding little enthusiasm among Ministers for anything other than a national approach .
Those we spoke to yesterday were very sceptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of people between different areas would be very difficult – and that localities themselves display considerable variations in R. And as we wrote yesterday senior NHS figures and epidemiologist advisers are wary of “ complicating the message ” – a concern that will be shared in parts of Downing Street .
If the Government sticks to national rules with no local variation , the effect will be to stretch the lockdown – with the runners necessary moving , as it were , at the pace of the slowest of the pack .

The reproduction or R rate for the Coronavirus is of limited value, at least as a single national figure. It doesn’t tell one who has the disease and where – in other words, what local rates are.
So if for example there is a rise concentrated in hospitals and care homes, as some claim there is at present, this will drive any upward increase in R, which would therefore be misleading as an indicator of that rate elsewhere.
In any event, that national figure will have a range, and will be out of date when announced, because the testing, death and admissions data takes time to come in.
Furthermore, R is subject to distortion. Consider the virus in care homes and hospitals. It is driving up R because heir own R average was higher to start with, and they now represent a greater share of the overall R average.
All this may help to explain why, if one reads between the lines, the Government is subtly loosening the ties that bind it to R.
In his recent address to the nation, Boris Johnson showed a slide with five bands, each of which represents a different alert level. The lower the level, the less the restriction.
Ministers’ aim at present is to get the UK down from level four (at which transmission is “high or rising exponentially” to level three (at which the Coronavirus is simply “in general circulation”).
The Prime Minister said that these levels will be determined “primarily by R” [our italic]. That leaves quite a lot of wiggle room for the new Joint Biosecurity Centre, which will be responsible for setting the alert levels.
(Clearly, the Government’s three stages of reopening are linked to these five levels. Were the JBC to declare on May 31 that the UK is now at level five, for example, school reopenings would presumably be off.)
Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, gave an indication how this room for manoeuvre might be used at last Friday’s daily Government press conference.
She said that “the real outcome is the reduction in the number of cases, that is our focus, not the R”. And it isn’t hard to see how the gradual rollout of test and trace could give the JBC further flexibility.
For the more people are tested – Johnson’s recent announcement of a testing capacity of 200,000 by the end of this month has not been officially discared – the more will be known about local R-rates.
That would potentially give the Government the opportunity to run a more locally varied lockdown. ConservativeHome pushed the idea last week, and Fraser Nelson has suggested lifting the shutdown in London.
This site has to report that we are finding little enthusiasm among Ministers for anything other than a national approach.
Those we spoke to yesterday were very sceptical, on the ground that controlling the movement of people between different areas would be very difficult – and that localities themselves display considerable variations in R.
And as we wrote yesterday senior NHS figures and epidemiologist advisers are wary of “complicating the message” – a concern that will be shared in parts of Downing Street.
If the Government sticks to national rules with no local variation, the effect will be to stretch the lockdown – with the runners necessary moving, as it were, at the pace of the slowest of the pack.


Coronavirus Count

Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 246,406 ( Up from 243,303 ) .
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 34,796 ( Up from 34,636 ) .
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases:2,684 ( Down from 3,142 ) .
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 160 ( Down from 170 ) .
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 From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD : THE UK GOVERNMENT ’ S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY See here .
New as of Monday May 11 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 here .
Published on Friday March 20 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid catching it – Government NHS website overview .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7.00 on Tuesday May 19th . )

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--2020-05-19--The Moggcast: The Commons Leader concedes that the Government’s “stay home” campaign may have been

The Moggcast: The Commons Leader concedes that the Government’s “stay home” campaign may have been  “too successful”

The Moggcast : The Commons Leader concedes that the Government ’ s “ stay home ” campaign may have been @ @ @ @

You can also listen and subscribe to the Moggcast on iTunes , through our YouTube channel , or through the RSS feed here , as well as on Spotify, Alexa and via numerous leading podcast services.


conservativehome--2020-05-19--Michelle Lowe: We need to shift away from care homes towards retirement villages

Michelle Lowe contested Coventry South at the General Election last year , and is the former Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing & Health at Sevenoaks District Council .
There has recently been a lot of speculation on what a post COVID-19 world will look like , with an extra light being shone on care homes .
Clearly things can not continue as they are .
The Government needs to grasp the social care nettle – preferably with a cross-party consensus that ensures it stands the test of time .
The current system of older people mainly staying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , and then moving into a care home is not working .
Part of the reason this happens is because there are not enough retirement housing options available .
We must also remember , as we take part in this debate , that it is widened to include care for disabled children and working-age adults .
We must move away from the current ‘ solution ’ of housing working-age wheelchair users in retirement complexes because the home is accessible – only focussing on physical needs .
Just as the planning system provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all housing need .
There must be enough housing solutions , for , if not everyone , then for most people .
In the same way people plan for their retirement by choosing a pension scheme , people must start thinking about right-sizing at an earlier stage .
This also requires housing options for them to choose from .
Councils need comprehensive housing strategies that feed into their local plans that provide for their housing need , that includes housing for key workers ( all types of care workers including cleaners ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accessible homes for disabled people , those with learning difficulties , starter homes , affordable homes etc Sevenoaks District Council surveyed all their residents with a return rate of one in five – so they were able to devise a housing strategy that meets their local housing needs .
With a section on older peoples ’ housing that feeds into the Local Plan , it encourages retirement villages across all housing tenures : from home ownership , shared ownership , to social rented .
Many housing associations such as West Kent Housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as linking their retirement accommodation into support hubs for their residents and other local people .
These include various forms of entertainment from Bingo to film nights ; to hairdressers , chiropodists , and massage , to restaurants , cafes and gyms .
The best retirement villages are flexible and can be adapted to support peoples ’ needs .
If they are able to live fully independently they are free to do so , but various extra care support packages are available if people need it – often up to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also helpful if there is a couple and one needs care and the other doesn ’ t .
Both can have their needs met and continue living together .
There needs to be a range of different kinds of retirement villages so people have as much choice as possible .
When older people have choice they are more likely to right-size .
We also have to recognise that not all older people want to live in retirement villages and prefer to live in mixed-aged communities .
In Sevenoaks , the survey revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there was somewhere local , close to their friends and families to move to .
The strategy included life-time standards for all new builds .
All flats are required to include a lift and to be fully wheelchair accessible , enabling working age disabled people to live there , but also older people to live there too .
It also means people are not forced to leave their homes in the future if they need a wheelchair .
Sevenoaks District Council identified many of the barriers preventing people from right-sizing in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as purpose built homes are better for older people .
They are less likely to fall in them , they are cheaper to heat and easier to manage all round .
Older people often need help to sort through the attic or garage , go through their possessions and decide what needs to be disposed of .
The thought of moving can be so overwhelming , that many simply put it off .
Yet there are charities and others that can help with these practical tasks and can make the whole idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps to sign-post people to charities such as these .
For every older person or couple that moves from a family-sized home – it frees up a housing chain .
This in turn helps house families and first-time home occupiers to buy or rent a home .
It also helps to take the pressure off building on the countryside .
It is a far more effective strategy to home people and make best use of current housing stock , than the constant focus on starter and executive homes .
Once we finally emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more aware of social care and what the future can hold .
We must not return social care solutions to the back-burner .
We must finally grasp the nettle , join planning , housing , social care , and health policy development together to give our older people the dignity and choices in retirement that they truly deserve .

Michelle Lowe contested Coventry South at the General Election last year, and is the former Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing & Health at Sevenoaks District Council.
There has recently been a lot of speculation on what a post COVID-19 world will look like, with an extra light being shone on care homes. Clearly things cannot continue as they are. The Government needs to grasp the social care nettle – preferably with a cross-party consensus that ensures it stands the test of time.
The current system of older people mainly staying in the family home until they reach crisis point, and then moving into a care home is not working. Part of the reason this happens is because there are not enough retirement housing options available. We must also remember, as we take part in this debate, that it is widened to include care for disabled children and working-age adults. We must move away from the current ‘solution’ of housing working-age wheelchair users in retirement complexes because the home is accessible – only focussing on physical needs. Just as the planning system provides for affordable homes – it must provide for all housing need. There must be enough housing solutions, for, if not everyone, then for most people.
In the same way people plan for their retirement by choosing a pension scheme, people must start thinking about right-sizing at an earlier stage. This also requires housing options for them to choose from. Councils need comprehensive housing strategies that feed into their local plans that provide for their housing need, that includes housing for key workers (all types of care workers including cleaners) in areas where housing costs are high, accessible homes for disabled people, those with learning difficulties, starter homes, affordable homes etc
Sevenoaks District Council surveyed all their residents with a return rate of one in five – so they were able to devise a housing strategy that meets their local housing needs. With a section on older peoples’ housing that feeds into the Local Plan, it encourages retirement villages across all housing tenures: from home ownership, shared ownership, to social rented. Many housing associations such as West Kent Housing have expertise in building retirement villages, as well as linking their retirement accommodation into support hubs for their residents and other local people. These include various forms of entertainment from Bingo to film nights; to hairdressers, chiropodists, and massage, to restaurants, cafes and gyms.
The best retirement villages are flexible and can be adapted to support peoples’ needs. If they are able to live fully independently they are free to do so, but various extra care support packages are available if people need it – often up to a care home on the site. It is also helpful if there is a couple and one needs care and the other doesn’t. Both can have their needs met and continue living together. There needs to be a range of different kinds of retirement villages so people have as much choice as possible. When older people have choice they are more likely to right-size.
We also have to recognise that not all older people want to live in retirement villages and prefer to live in mixed-aged communities. In Sevenoaks, the survey revealed that such people were prepared to right-size if there was somewhere local, close to their friends and families to move to. The strategy included life-time standards for all new builds. All flats are required to include a lift and to be fully wheelchair accessible, enabling working age disabled people to live there, but also older people to live there too. It also means people are not forced to leave their homes in the future if they need a wheelchair.
Sevenoaks District Council identified many of the barriers preventing people from right-sizing in both the social-rented sector and private housing – as purpose built homes are better for older people. They are less likely to fall in them, they are cheaper to heat and easier to manage all round. Older people often need help to sort through the attic or garage, go through their possessions and decide what needs to be disposed of. The thought of moving can be so overwhelming, that many simply put it off. Yet there are charities and others that can help with these practical tasks and can make the whole idea of moving more appealing – and the council helps to sign-post people to charities such as these.
For every older person or couple that moves from a family-sized home – it frees up a housing chain. This in turn helps house families and first-time home occupiers to buy or rent a home. It also helps to take the pressure off building on the countryside. It is a far more effective strategy to home people and make best use of current housing stock, than the constant focus on starter and executive homes.
Once we finally emerge from lockdown, we will be much more aware of social care and what the future can hold. We must not return social care solutions to the back-burner. We must finally grasp the nettle, join planning, housing, social care, and health policy development together to give our older people the dignity and choices in retirement that they truly deserve.


conservativehome--2020-05-20--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Independent Reviewer of Prevent – and more