conservativehome--2020-05-11--Sturgeon, Wales, the shutdown row – and why a Four Nations policy is no substitute for a One Nation

Sturgeon, Wales, the shutdown row – and why a Four Nations policy is no substitute for a One Nation policy

In my most recent column , I raised the question of whether or not the thus-far successful effort to keep the different parts of the UK moving in tandem on Covid-19 might founder .
The danger was twofold .
First , after weeks of chronicling various ways in which Holyrood and Cardiff Bay had made a point of doing things differently where they felt they could get away with it , it seemed likely that this devocrat reflex might take over once the exigencies of the crisis started to ease .
Second , despite shortcomings on the part of both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Wales , for example , might simply not have the policies and infrastructure in place to move on to the next phase at the same time as England .
( Scotland too is struggling to get testing up . )
Well , the Prime Minister broadcast his message about easing lockdown yesterday and lo and behold , cracks are appearing in the so-called ‘ Four Nations ’ approach , with both Cardiff , Belfast , and Edinburgh disavowing the shift from ‘ Stay Home ’ to ‘ Stay Alert ’ .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ( like the Cabinet ) were shut out of the decision , only learning of it after it was briefed to journalists .
It ’ s easy to over-interpret the current gap in policy terms : despite the different slogans , both London and Edinburgh have announced a few new liberties within an ongoing injunction to stay home as much as possible .
But there are evident tensions .
For example , Wales has not matched the Government ’ s decision to allow people to drive elsewhere to exercise , and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that : “ Our regulations do not permit people to get in their cars and drive to destinations in Wales and this includes people getting in their cars in England.
” The prospect of cross-border movement restrictions inside the UK – some Scottish nationalists have also been calling for the border to be policed – is just one potentially troubling outcome .
Another is the idea that the Treasury , and by extension British taxpayers , might be expected to continue to subsidise expensive economic interventions such as furlough in Scotland and Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations leave lockdown .
It is all very well for Mark Drakeford to talk about “ maximum caution ” , but it isn ’ t his government that will foot the bill .
Alternatively , central Treasury decisions to reduce such schemes could be seen as strong-arming the devolved administrations , a battle the Government would need to be prepared for .
It is certainly reasonable to make UK economic and financial support conditional on a coordinated UK response – ‘ British cash with British strings ’ , if you like – but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an entirely one-way interpretation of the ‘ devolution settlement ’ .
Even if such fraught constitutional battles don ’ t immediately break out , there are evident dangers both that mixed messaging will undermine efforts to stem fraying public obedience – especially in Wales , where the now-Parliament enjoys a rather low profile – and increase temptation to travel in order to exploit differences in approach .
Either way , the pandemic has exposed more clearly than ever what already ought to have been evident : that intergovernmental cooperation can not effectively replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a nationwide level – that a ‘ four nations ’ approach is no substitute for a ‘ one nation ’ one .
Where a British response is needed , the British Government should provide it .

In my most recent column, I raised the question of whether or not the thus-far successful effort to keep the different parts of the UK moving in tandem on Covid-19 might founder.
The danger was twofold. First, after weeks of chronicling various ways in which Holyrood and Cardiff Bay had made a point of doing things differently where they felt they could get away with it, it seemed likely that this devocrat reflex might take over once the exigencies of the crisis started to ease.
Second, despite shortcomings on the part of both the national and devolved governments it appeared that Wales, for example, might simply not have the policies and infrastructure in place to move on to the next phase at the same time as England. (Scotland too is struggling to get testing up.)
Well, the Prime Minister broadcast his message about easing lockdown yesterday and lo and behold, cracks are appearing in the so-called ‘Four Nations’ approach, with both Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh disavowing the shift from ‘Stay Home’ to ‘Stay Alert’. And in fairness to them it appears that they (like the Cabinet) were shut out of the decision, only learning of it after it was briefed to journalists.
It’s easy to over-interpret the current gap in policy terms: despite the different slogans, both London and Edinburgh have announced a few new liberties within an ongoing injunction to stay home as much as possible.
But there are evident tensions. For example, Wales has not matched the Government’s decision to allow people to drive elsewhere to exercise, and this has led to Welsh ministers to state that: “Our regulations do not permit people to get in their cars and drive to destinations in Wales and this includes people getting in their cars in England.”
The prospect of cross-border movement restrictions inside the UK – some Scottish nationalists have also been calling for the border to be policed – is just one potentially troubling outcome.
Another is the idea that the Treasury, and by extension British taxpayers, might be expected to continue to subsidise expensive economic interventions such as furlough in Scotland and Wales without having a say on how these nations leave lockdown. It is all very well for Mark Drakeford to talk about “maximum caution”, but it isn’t his government that will foot the bill.
Alternatively, central Treasury decisions to reduce such schemes could be seen as strong-arming the devolved administrations, a battle the Government would need to be prepared for. It is certainly reasonable to make UK economic and financial support conditional on a coordinated UK response – ‘British cash with British strings’, if you like – but it will anger those who subscribe to an entirely one-way interpretation of the ‘devolution settlement’.
Even if such fraught constitutional battles don’t immediately break out, there are evident dangers both that mixed messaging will undermine efforts to stem fraying public obedience – especially in Wales, where the now-Parliament enjoys a rather low profile – and increase temptation to travel in order to exploit differences in approach.
Either way, the pandemic has exposed more clearly than ever what already ought to have been evident: that intergovernmental cooperation cannot effectively replace Westminster when authority needs to be exercised on a nationwide level – that a ‘four nations’ approach is no substitute for a ‘one nation’ one. Where a British response is needed, the British Government should provide it.


conservativehome--2020-05-12--James Frayne: More welfare spending. A business tax avoidance clampdown. The new economic policy tha

James Frayne: More welfare spending. A business tax avoidance clampdown. The new economic policy that voters will want.

Each of these questions is worth an article in its own right , but let ’ s start with the likely economic position in a few months : significant numbers of businesses will go bust ; many cling on at the best of times and reduced demand will finish many off .
In turn , we can expect significantly higher levels of unemployment than during recent times , and more people on welfare .
Many businesses , too , in fear of a second wave of infections , will be cautious about hiring and investing generally ; many will terminate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a thing of the past .
We can assume that those parts of the country where the private sector is relatively weak – and relatively much more reliant on consumer spending – will be more severely hit than the affluent South .
High streets that were already struggling will be decimated .
And we can assume astronomically high levels of debt .
All in all , a terrible place to be .
Let ’ s now consider some of the parameters of policy for Government that will be set by public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The public will want health spending increased significantly .
When people look at why Britain was so badly hit , even if a consensus emerges we should run healthcare differently , it ’ s inconceivable that one of the conclusions won ’ t be that the health service needs more money – it ’ s already what people think .
We can also be reasonably sure of demands for greater spending on social care , given how badly those in care have suffered .
It ’ s also likely the public will expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rising number of unemployed and more generally to support those communities which have suffered disproportionately during the crisis .
While the public are , in normal times , quite sceptical of welfare spending , they are not going to see the new unemployed in the way that they saw ( healthy ) people without jobs in a near-full employment economy .
It ’ s also a reasonable bet the public will demand greater support for those in “ precarious ” work – workers seen to have kept the country going during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest those working in the gig economy love the freedom they ’ re granted and don ’ t consider themselves “ victims ” in any way , the likely campaign that Labour will run to reward these workers will have an irresistible attractiveness .
In other words , there will be significantly more money across three major areas of public expenditure .
On the flip side , the public are less likely to have the same demands on expenditure on policing ; defence ; or even education , but these are likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare and health budgets .
Second , tax .
The public will demand action is taken against those businesses perceived to unfairly avoid tax ( presently and historically ) – particularly if they have enjoyed bumper sales during the crisis .
When there are bills to be paid during the long recovery period , there will be no longer be any hiding place for them .
And there ’ ll be demands for action against those businesses that splurged cash on high salaries and dividends while furloughing workers .
One area that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get much more , is the behaviour of commercial landlords across the country .
This aspect of public debate could be very ugly .
On the other hand , they ’ re likely to be very positive towards the idea that tax cuts for small businesses are a necessary stimulus .
They are likely to be open to the idea that these businesses need a break from high business rates and high levels of corporation tax .
It ’ s possible that they will ask for lower personal tax rates so they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any possible re-emergence of the virus .
Whether the Treasury thinks that such a policy is advisable is something else ; but they ’ ll at least likely have freedom to think about targeted tax cuts .
Whether these two sides balance – higher taxes on a small number of very large businesses , lower taxes on a large number of small businesses – is another question .
Together , these spending pressures and the need to stimulate the economy will put enormous pressure on Ministers for some time .
It is fortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have any philosophical adherence to low spending and debt , or the next year would be very uncomfortable .
Thinking about economic policy more broadly , it also seems likely this crisis will open the door to much greater radicalism in a number of areas .
The nature of tax , spend , and economic policy could change very substantially .
• We could end up building a lot more , a lot faster .
Construction is an obvious place to go for a fiscal stimulus , and there will be huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its infrastructure promises before its term is up .
That requires changing the planning system .
• We could see much bolder incentives to industries that are essential for “ national resilience ” – pharmaceuticals and life sciences are the most obvious example , but agriculture and energy would be others .
It is probably no coincidence that many of the countries that have done best during Coronavirus have also had decades of effective industrial policy .
There will be a race to replicate it here .
( It is hard not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country , universities will be part of the policy mix . )
• Anything that rebuilds town centres and communities will be enthusiastically welcomed .
Completely re-hauling the business rate and general small business taxation system is plausible .
• Of course , the long-anticipated reforms to the structure of the state have been put on ice while the Government has been trying to deal with Corona .
Here , the public simply don ’ t care that much – but the performance of different parts of Government during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reason to reshape the state .
None of these are new territory for the Government .
It ’ s the combination of parochial and modern that was obvious in the general election manifesto last year .
But while the epidemic has created demands from the public , it does also create space to achieve large amounts in the next three and a half years , and change a lot of rules .

Each of these questions is worth an article in its own right, but let’s start with the likely economic position in a few months: significant numbers of businesses will go bust; many cling on at the best of times and reduced demand will finish many off.
In turn, we can expect significantly higher levels of unemployment than during recent times, and more people on welfare.
Many businesses, too, in fear of a second wave of infections, will be cautious about hiring and investing generally; many will terminate or reduce office space and pay rises will be a thing of the past.
We can assume that those parts of the country where the private sector is relatively weak – and relatively much more reliant on consumer spending – will be more severely hit than the affluent South. High streets that were already struggling will be decimated. And we can assume astronomically high levels of debt. All in all, a terrible place to be.
Let’s now consider some of the parameters of policy for Government that will be set by public opinion.
First, public spending. The public will want health spending increased significantly. When people look at why Britain was so badly hit, even if a consensus emerges we should run healthcare differently, it’s inconceivable that one of the conclusions won’t be that the health service needs more money – it’s already what people think.
We can also be reasonably sure of demands for greater spending on social care, given how badly those in care have suffered.
It’s also likely the public will expect additional spending on welfare – to support the rising number of unemployed and more generally to support those communities which have suffered disproportionately during the crisis. While the public are, in normal times, quite sceptical of welfare spending, they are not going to see the new unemployed in the way that they saw (healthy) people without jobs in a near-full employment economy.
It’s also a reasonable bet the public will demand greater support for those in “precarious” work – workers seen to have kept the country going during lockdown. While there are many reasons to suggest those working in the gig economy love the freedom they’re granted and don’t consider themselves “victims” in any way, the likely campaign that Labour will run to reward these workers will have an irresistible attractiveness.
In other words, there will be significantly more money across three major areas of public expenditure. On the flip side, the public are less likely to have the same demands on expenditure on policing; defence; or even education, but these are likely to be dwarfed by the size of the welfare and health budgets.
Second, tax. The public will demand action is taken against those businesses perceived to unfairly avoid tax (presently and historically) – particularly if they have enjoyed bumper sales during the crisis.
When there are bills to be paid during the long recovery period, there will be no longer be any hiding place for them. And there’ll be demands for action against those businesses that splurged cash on high salaries and dividends while furloughing workers.
One area that has had relatively little attention, but could get much more, is the behaviour of commercial landlords across the country. This aspect of public debate could be very ugly.
On the other hand, they’re likely to be very positive towards the idea that tax cuts for small businesses are a necessary stimulus. They are likely to be open to the idea that these businesses need a break from high business rates and high levels of corporation tax.
It’s possible that they will ask for lower personal tax rates so they can start to save to accumulate protection for any possible re-emergence of the virus. Whether the Treasury thinks that such a policy is advisable is something else; but they’ll at least likely have freedom to think about targeted tax cuts.
Whether these two sides balance – higher taxes on a small number of very large businesses, lower taxes on a large number of small businesses – is another question. Together, these spending pressures and the need to stimulate the economy will put enormous pressure on Ministers for some time. It is fortunate that this Government doesn’t seem to have any philosophical adherence to low spending and debt, or the next year would be very uncomfortable.
Thinking about economic policy more broadly, it also seems likely this crisis will open the door to much greater radicalism in a number of areas. The nature of tax, spend, and economic policy could change very substantially.
We could end up building a lot more, a lot faster. Construction is an obvious place to go for a fiscal stimulus, and there will be huge pressure on the Government to meet some of its infrastructure promises before its term is up. That requires changing the planning system.
We could see much bolder incentives to industries that are essential for “national resilience” – pharmaceuticals and life sciences are the most obvious example, but agriculture and energy would be others. It is probably no coincidence that many of the countries that have done best during Coronavirus have also had decades of effective industrial policy. There will be a race to replicate it here. (It is hard not to see how, in many parts of the country, universities will be part of the policy mix.)
Anything that rebuilds town centres and communities will be enthusiastically welcomed. Completely re-hauling the business rate and general small business taxation system is plausible.
Of course, the long-anticipated reforms to the structure of the state have been put on ice while the Government has been trying to deal with Corona. Here, the public simply don’t care that much – but the performance of different parts of Government during the pandemic will, surely, be used as a reason to reshape the state.
None of these are new territory for the Government. It’s the combination of parochial and modern that was obvious in the general election manifesto last year. But while the epidemic has created demands from the public, it does also create space to achieve large amounts in the next three and a half years, and change a lot of rules.


conservativehome--2020-05-12--Jeremy Hunt: “One of the biggest failures of scientific advice to Ministers in our lifetimes.” His s

Jeremy Hunt: “One of the biggest failures of scientific advice to Ministers in our lifetimes.” His speech from yesterday’s debate.

Jeremy Hunt is Chair of the Health Select Committee , a former Health Secretary , and is MP for South West Surrey .
“ I support the Government ’ s caution about lifting lockdown , and I commend the Prime Minister for being honest about the complex choices we face .
I want to focus my comments on the quality of scientific advice received by Ministers .
It is now clear that a major blind spot in the approach taken in Europe and America was our focus on pandemic flu rather than pandemic coronaviruses , such as SARS or MERS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , Korea has had no more than nine deaths on any one day , Singapore is on just 20 deaths in total and Taiwan is on just seven .
The failure to look at what those countries were doing at the outset will rank as one of the biggest failures of scientific advice to Ministers in our lifetimes .
One can understand the reluctance to look at a totalitarian regime such as China , when it dangerously covered up the existence of the virus at the outset .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Emergencies was modelling possible responses in January , did it look only at the extremes of total lockdown or mitigated herd immunity , rather than at the middle way of test , track and trace that was being pursued by the Asian democracies ?
That failure led directly to another , namely the advice to stop community testing on 12 March .
That meant that we had no idea where the virus was , while countries such as Germany continued community testing and saved many lives as a result .
A lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another failure at the start of March .
Even though infections were doubling every five days , SAGE advised Ministers against lockdown and advised them to continue with events such as the Cheltenham festival and the Liverpool champions league match .
That meant that infections soon grew to a point where traditional contact tracing could not cope .
Of course Ministers have to take responsibility for their decisions .
They have a duty to challenge and probe any advice , but their decisions are shaped by that advice .
In that context , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals .
Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty are outstanding scientists and any Government would be lucky to have their advice .
At fault is a systemic failure caused by the secrecy that surrounds everything that SAGE does .
Because its advice is not published , it can not be subjected to scientific challenge .
Nor is parliamentary scrutiny possible , even when a Government say they are following the science .
Until last week , we were not even allowed to know who sat on SAGE .
We used to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was given to the Chancellor .
In 1997 , the Bank of England was made operationally independent , lines of accountability were clarified and advice was made transparent .
Since then , inflation has not troubled the British economy .
Had SAGE ’ s advice been published in January , an army of scientists from our universities could have challenged why test , track and trace was not being modelled .
They could have demanded a ramp-up of testing and challenged the behavioural assumptions that delayed lockdown .
We can not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well have been better subsequent advice and many lives saved .
British science is world-beating because we have always championed inventiveness and encouraged challenge , so let us sweep aside the secrecy that surrounds SAGE and publish what it recommends , including dissenting views .
In that way , we will harness the robust exchange of ideas , which has always been one of our greatest national strengths , and , as the Prime Minister said yesterday , come out of this crisis wiser and stronger.
” Hunt ’ s speech can be @ @ @ @ @

Jeremy Hunt is Chair of the Health Select Committee, a former Health Secretary, and is MP for South West Surrey.
“I support the Government’s caution about lifting lockdown, and I commend the Prime Minister for being honest about the complex choices we face.
I want to focus my comments on the quality of scientific advice received by Ministers. It is now clear that a major blind spot in the approach taken in Europe and America was our focus on pandemic flu rather than pandemic coronaviruses, such as SARS or MERS. Asian countries took a different path. As a result, Korea has had no more than nine deaths on any one day, Singapore is on just 20 deaths in total and Taiwan is on just seven.
The failure to look at what those countries were doing at the outset will rank as one of the biggest failures of scientific advice to Ministers in our lifetimes. One can understand the reluctance to look at a totalitarian regime such as China, when it dangerously covered up the existence of the virus at the outset. But why, when the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies was modelling possible responses in January, did it look only at the extremes of total lockdown or mitigated herd immunity, rather than at the middle way of test, track and trace that was being pursued by the Asian democracies?
That failure led directly to another, namely the advice to stop community testing on 12 March. That meant that we had no idea where the virus was, while countries such as Germany continued community testing and saved many lives as a result.
A lack of interest in community testing led to another failure at the start of March. Even though infections were doubling every five days, SAGE advised Ministers against lockdown and advised them to continue with events such as the Cheltenham festival and the Liverpool champions league match. That meant that infections soon grew to a point where traditional contact tracing could not cope.
Of course Ministers have to take responsibility for their decisions. They have a duty to challenge and probe any advice, but their decisions are shaped by that advice. In that context, it would be totally wrong to blame individuals. Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty are outstanding scientists and any Government would be lucky to have their advice. At fault is a systemic failure caused by the secrecy that surrounds everything that SAGE does. Because its advice is not published, it cannot be subjected to scientific challenge. Nor is parliamentary scrutiny possible, even when a Government say they are following the science.
Until last week, we were not even allowed to know who sat on SAGE. We used to have similar secrecy over the interest rate advice that was given to the Chancellor. In 1997, the Bank of England was made operationally independent, lines of accountability were clarified and advice was made transparent.
Since then, inflation has not troubled the British economy. Had SAGE’s advice been published in January, an army of scientists from our universities could have challenged why test, track and trace was not being modelled. They could have demanded a ramp-up of testing and challenged the behavioural assumptions that delayed lockdown. We cannot know for certain, but the result may well have been better subsequent advice and many lives saved.
British science is world-beating because we have always championed inventiveness and encouraged challenge, so let us sweep aside the secrecy that surrounds SAGE and publish what it recommends, including dissenting views. In that way, we will harness the robust exchange of ideas, which has always been one of our greatest national strengths, and, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, come out of this crisis wiser and stronger.”
Hunt’s speech can be read in Hansard here.


conservativehome--2020-05-12--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner – a

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner – 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 .
“ The Institute was established as a Crown Non-Departmental Public Body , independent of Government and employer-led with a mandate set by Ministers .
The Institute is playing a vital role in continuing the apprenticeship and technical education reform process and works on behalf of employers to support the delivery of high quality apprenticeships and T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprentices or learners to be confident that their apprenticeship or T Level is of high quality , respected and will help them to build a career with a clear market value.
” “ Led by the Non-Executive Chair , the Crown Commercial Service ( CCS ) Board is responsible for the oversight of the operation of CCS , with emphasis on its strategic direction , management control , and corporate governance .
All Non-Executive Board Members are expected to contribute to decisions covering the strategy for the organisation and the overall direction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counsel , advice and challenge .
We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Technology and Digital Transformation Committee to support progression of our transformation journey… To complement our existing Board we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring recent experience in leading large scale digital transformation in either the private or public sector.
” “ The CCRC ’ s role is to investigate and review cases where it is alleged that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CCRC is entrusted with the exercise of wide-ranging , and sometimes intrusive , statutory powers .
Commissioners are supported by senior managers , legal and investigations advisers , casework and administrative staff .
Investigations are mainly carried out by CCRC staff but CCRC can require others , such as the police , to carry out investigations on its behalf… Commissioners may be called on to provide specialist advice depending on their background and expertise .
Commissioners may also be involved in the training of staff and of fellow Commissioners ; again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
” “ The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner will be a visible leader and exemplar , establishing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
” “ The Independent Review of Prevent will deliver on the Government ’ s commitment set out in the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents .
Excellent communication skills , decisiveness , independence and unquestionable integrity will be essential .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education – Non-Executive Board Member
“The Institute was established as a Crown Non-Departmental Public Body, independent of Government and employer-led with a mandate set by Ministers. The Institute is playing a vital role in continuing the apprenticeship and technical education reform process and works on behalf of employers to support the delivery of high quality apprenticeships and T Levels in England. The Institute enables apprentices or learners to be confident that their apprenticeship or T Level is of high quality, respected and will help them to build a career with a clear market value.”
Time: 2 days per month on average
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 15 May
– – – – – – – – – –
Crown Commercial Service – Non-Executive Directors
“Led by the Non-Executive Chair, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Board is responsible for the oversight of the operation of CCS, with emphasis on its strategic direction, management control, and corporate governance. All Non-Executive Board Members are expected to contribute to decisions covering the strategy for the organisation and the overall direction of the business, adding value by offering counsel, advice and challenge. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Technology and Digital Transformation Committee to support progression of our transformation journey… To complement our existing Board we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring recent experience in leading large scale digital transformation in either the private or public sector.”
Time: Approx 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 May
– – – – – – – – – –
Criminal Cases Review Commission – Commissioners
“The CCRC’s role is to investigate and review cases where it is alleged that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred in relation to conviction, sentence or both. The CCRC is entrusted with the exercise of wide-ranging, and sometimes intrusive, statutory powers. Commissioners are supported by senior managers, legal and investigations advisers, casework and administrative staff. Investigations are mainly carried out by CCRC staff but CCRC can require others, such as the police, to carry out investigations on its behalf… Commissioners may be called on to provide specialist advice depending on their background and expertise. Commissioners may also be involved in the training of staff and of fellow Commissioners; again, depending on the expertise they bring.”
Time: Min. 52 days per annum.
Remuneration: £358 per diem.
Closes: 18 May
– – – – – – – – – –
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


conservativehome--2020-05-12--Our snap survey. Over half of our Conservative member panel backs Johnson’s plan. A third want a Swe

Our snap survey. Over half of our Conservative member panel backs Johnson’s plan. A third want a Sweden-style looser lockdown.

Our last monthly survey sought to establish how much support there was among Party members for the main Coronavirus policy options .
It found 52 per cent backing the Government ’ s relatively new South Korea-type test-and-track plan ; 31 per cent for a less restrictive Swedish-style lockdown , and 13 per cent for keeping the lockdown as it was .
Now we have a new version of that plan , with relaxed outdoor restrictions , and a tentative timetable towards greater normality .
And almost nothing has changed – at least as far as our Party member panel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ante is at nine per cent .
Fifty four per cent of respondents think that the Government is proceeding “ in the right speed and way ” .
And 33 per cent still want a looser lockdown delivered faster .
Our take is if Boris Johnson ’ s outline timetable isn ’ t delivered , the proportion wanting a Sweden-flavoured policy can only grow , especially as the broader economic realities begin to bite home .
How fast it would grow is another matter .
The Prime Minister has a big election victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his belt , has delivered Brexit , and so has plenty of credit in the bank with Party members .
Yes , the launch of this new phase was very messy .
Yes , there are lots of unanswered questions about the policy that should be answered .
And , yes , the process of putting it together has been , ConHome hears , shambolic .
But that could doubtless have been said about much of government planning during World War Two .
Our sense is that most voters understand that point very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister is that he has room and time to get all this right , at least as far as Party members are concerned – and voters too if the polls are right , and don ’ t turn suddenly .

Our last monthly survey sought to establish how much support there was among Party members for the main Coronavirus policy options.
It found 52 per cent backing the Government’s relatively new South Korea-type test-and-track plan; 31 per cent for a less restrictive Swedish-style lockdown, and 13 per cent for keeping the lockdown as it was.
Now we have a new version of that plan, with relaxed outdoor restrictions, and a tentative timetable towards greater normality. And almost nothing has changed – at least as far as our Party member panel is concerned.
Backing for the status quo ante is at nine per cent. Fifty four per cent of respondents think that the Government is proceeding “in the right speed and way”. And 33 per cent still want a looser lockdown delivered faster.
Our take is if Boris Johnson’s outline timetable isn’t delivered, the proportion wanting a Sweden-flavoured policy can only grow, especially as the broader economic realities begin to bite home.
How fast it would grow is another matter. The Prime Minister has a big election victory delivered less than six months ago under his belt, has delivered Brexit, and so has plenty of credit in the bank with Party members.
Yes, the launch of this new phase was very messy. Yes, there are lots of unanswered questions about the policy that should be answered. And, yes, the process of putting it together has been, ConHome hears, shambolic.
But that could doubtless have been said about much of government planning during World War Two. Our sense is that most voters understand that point very well.
The good news for the Prime Minister is that he has room and time to get all this right, at least as far as Party members are concerned – and voters too if the polls are right, and don’t turn suddenly.


Coronavirus Count

Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 223,060 ( Up from 219,183 ) .
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 32,065 ( Up from 31,855 ) .
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 3,877 ( Down from 3,923 ) .
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 210 ( Down from 269 ) .
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 to 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SELF-DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY CAN CLAIM See 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how 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 18.45 on Monday May 11th . )

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--2020-05-12--Lord Ashcroft: The damage that even the threat of the virus is wreaking on St Helena

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is a businessman , philanthropist , author and pollster .
For information on Lord Ashcroft ’ s work , visit www.lordashcroft.com .
These are difficult and challenging times for many people – but spare a thought for the 4,500 islanders of St Helena , situated in the middle of the South Atlantic .
“ Saints ” , as the islanders are known , have encountered one problem after another over the past four years – just as they hoped their new airport would result in a huge increase in tourist numbers and , in turn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered another major blow : Coronavirus .
As yet , there are thankfully no cases of Covid-19 on St Helena , but the tough measures brought in to ensure that the island remains free of the virus have once again killed off tourism for the foreseeable future .
There have been no passenger flights to or from St Helena since March 26 .
Furthermore , anyone arriving on the island now has to undergo 14 days of quarantine at what is known as Bradley ’ s Camp .
It is understandable that everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
It is estimated that more than half the population are in the “ vulnerable ” category , largely because of their age or because of underlying health conditions .
It is conceivable that hundreds of “ Saints ” could die if Covid-19 reaches the island and , in a worst-case scenario , up to half of the population could perish .
The annual St Helena Day celebrations on May 21 have been cancelled and morale on the island is said to be low .
That ’ s entirely understandable : after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small island take ?
Mike Olsson is the owner of the St Helena Independent newspaper which , along with Saint FM radio station , I sponsor to ensure its editorial independence .
He tells me : “ The situation is very difficult .
Tourism on the island will be non-existent for a long time , most likely until we have a vaccine .
“ Other countries are starting to open up and can calculate to have some cases and some ‘ losses ’ but for us , who have never been exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune system due to this lack of exposure , it would be devastating if we got Covid-19.
” St Helena , about a third the size of the Isle of Wight , is a British Overseas Territory that became famous as the location where Napoleon Bonaparte , the defeated French emperor , spent the majority of his exile until his death in 1821 .
As a volcanic island that erupted out of the South Atlantic 15 million years ago , it is one of the most remote places on earth : some 1,200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles from Brazil .
The average full-time annual wage on the island is around £8,500 and the cost of living is much higher than in Britain because of the island ’ s remoteness .
Today the island ’ s controversial airport is essentially open only for emergency medevacs , although one Titan Airways chartered flight did land on April 20 with key medical supplies , including 960 Coronavirus testing kits and five ventilators .
Food and other supplies , including fuel , are brought to the island by ship but fresh produce , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegetables , are in short supply .
Visitors to the island consist mainly of a handful of “ yachties ” who have chosen to stop off on their way across the South Atlantic .
I have chronicled St Helena ’ s troubles in several blogs over the past four years , including ones based on my two most recent visits : I first visited the island with my parents as toddler more than 70 years ago .
More recently I visited St Helena in January 2017 .
The £285 million airport , paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually opened to passenger flights in October 2017 – there were previously a series of delays , including safety concerns caused by unpredictable side-winds .
Few , if any , business leaders on the island have had to cope with more setbacks than Hazel Wilmot [ pictured right ] , who owns the Consulate Hotel in the centre of Jamestown , the island ’ s capital .
“ The mood on the island is one of despair and quiet resignation , ” she told me this weekend .
In anticipation of a tourist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million buying and renovating both her hotel in Jamestown [ pictured below ] .
Before the airport opened , official figures predicted that the tourist numbers to the island would increase from around 1,000 a year to 29,000 a year by 2042 – levels of visitors that are now considered “ pie in the sky ” by most islanders .
Ms Wilmot tells me that her last “ proper ” paying guest at her hotel left on March 16 – since then she has had just a handful of “ yachties ” paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
“ I think it will be six months or more before I , and others like me , see any real income again , ” she said .
“ We are trying to find ways not just to tread water but keep our heads above water .
All my savings have long gone and the private sector has to compete with a Government-owned , funded and heavily subsidised hotel [ Mantis ] .
But where is a Wilmot there is a way !
” According to Ms Wilmot , at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently been forced to sell their homes to repay bank loans .
Those involved in tourism continue to press for a direct air link to Europe , ideally Britain – rather than , or ideally as well as , South Africa .
These people include Paul O ’ Sullivan , a successful South African businessman and the CEO of Trade Wind Corporation Plc ( formerly St Helena Corporation Plc ) .
Mr O ’ Sullivan has ambitious , multi-million-pound leisure development plans for the island but St Helena ’ s partial “ lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , he believes that the setback is only temporary , telling me : “ We just have to sit it out .
I remain positive about the future of St Helena and hope that this time next year things will be back on track.
” A series of events are being planned for next year to mark the 200th anniversary of the exiled Napoleon ’ s death on St Helena – but even these must be in some doubt given the present circumstances .
Despite not having any cases of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and some shops are restricting the numbers allowed in at any one time .
People with Coronavirus-like symptoms are being urged to self-isolate…just in case .
Last month Baroness Sugg , the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Aid , insisted that the UK is taking its responsibilities for the British Overseas Territories “ extremely seriously ” .
These words have been backed up by action too : the British Government has allocated £2.5 million for Coronavirus- linked aid to the island .
Lawson Henry [ pictured right with Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island ’ s five-strong island Executive Council ( likened to a Cabinet ) and also chairs the economic development committee .
He told me : “ There are shortages of some essential goods but retailers and importers are working with the St Helena Government to ration goods and this seems to be working .
“ The Government has a number of support packages in place for business .
The first to receive this support was the hospitality sector and this has been expanded to the construction sector and other businesses .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can in these challenging times but there are those who believe we should do more and others who think we have done too much.
” Dr Philip Rushbrook , the Governor of St Helena , has welcomed the arrival of emergency medical supplies and told islanders in a statement : “ At times like these , it is crucial that we pull together as an island , using our good nature , compassion and resourcefulness for the greater good.
” My fondness for our 14 Overseas Territories , in general , and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-going .
So , too , is my concern for the well-being of “ Saints ” during these exacting times .
I continue to believe that it is a grave mistake that so much of our international aid budget , currently running at around £14.6 billion a year and enshrined in law , is wasted by corrupt and inept foreign regimes .
It is at times like these that we should be doing more to look after those closer to home and those in real need , including residents of St Helena and @ @ @ @

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is a businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For information on Lord Ashcroft’s work, visit www.lordashcroft.com.
These are difficult and challenging times for many people – but spare a thought for the 4,500 islanders of St Helena, situated in the middle of the South Atlantic.
“Saints”, as the islanders are known, have encountered one problem after another over the past four years – just as they hoped their new airport would result in a huge increase in tourist numbers and, in turn, bring economic prosperity.
Now islanders have suffered another major blow: Coronavirus. As yet, there are thankfully no cases of Covid-19 on St Helena, but the tough measures brought in to ensure that the island remains free of the virus have once again killed off tourism for the foreseeable future.
There have been no passenger flights to or from St Helena since March 26. Furthermore, anyone arriving on the island now has to undergo 14 days of quarantine at what is known as Bradley’s Camp.
It is understandable that everyone is being cautious with the islanders’ health. It is estimated that more than half the population are in the “vulnerable” category, largely because of their age or because of underlying health conditions.
It is conceivable that hundreds of “Saints” could die if Covid-19 reaches the island and, in a worst-case scenario, up to half of the population could perish.
The annual St Helena Day celebrations on May 21 have been cancelled and morale on the island is said to be low. That’s entirely understandable: after all, how many setbacks can one small island take?
Mike Olsson is the owner of the St Helena Independent newspaper which, along with Saint FM radio station, I sponsor to ensure its editorial independence. He tells me: “The situation is very difficult. Tourism on the island will be non-existent for a long time, most likely until we have a vaccine.
“Other countries are starting to open up and can calculate to have some cases and some ‘losses’ but for us, who have never been exposed to such an illness and have a weak immune system due to this lack of exposure, it would be devastating if we got Covid-19.”
St Helena, about a third the size of the Isle of Wight, is a British Overseas Territory that became famous as the location where Napoleon Bonaparte, the defeated French emperor, spent the majority of his exile until his death in 1821.
As a volcanic island that erupted out of the South Atlantic 15 million years ago, it is one of the most remote places on earth: some 1,200 miles from the African mainland and 1,800 miles from Brazil.
The average full-time annual wage on the island is around £8,500 and the cost of living is much higher than in Britain because of the island’s remoteness.
Today the island’s controversial airport is essentially open only for emergency medevacs, although one Titan Airways chartered flight did land on April 20 with key medical supplies, including 960 Coronavirus testing kits and five ventilators.
Food and other supplies, including fuel, are brought to the island by ship but fresh produce, such as milk, dairy and fresh vegetables, are in short supply. Visitors to the island consist mainly of a handful of “yachties” who have chosen to stop off on their way across the South Atlantic.
I have chronicled St Helena’s troubles in several blogs over the past four years, including ones based on my two most recent visits: I first visited the island with my parents as toddler more than 70 years ago. More recently I visited St Helena in January 2017.
The £285 million airport, paid for with British taxpayers’ money, eventually opened to passenger flights in October 2017 – there were previously a series of delays, including safety concerns caused by unpredictable side-winds.
Few, if any, business leaders on the island have had to cope with more setbacks than Hazel Wilmot [pictured right], who owns the Consulate Hotel in the centre of Jamestown, the island’s capital. “The mood on the island is one of despair and quiet resignation,” she told me this weekend.
In anticipation of a tourist boom, Ms Wilmot spent nearly £2 million buying and renovating both her hotel in Jamestown [pictured below]. Before the airport opened, official figures predicted that the tourist numbers to the island would increase from around 1,000 a year to 29,000 a year by 2042 – levels of visitors that are now considered “pie in the sky” by most islanders.
Ms Wilmot tells me that her last “proper” paying guest at her hotel left on March 16 – since then she has had just a handful of “yachties” paying a heavily-reduced rate of just £20 a night. “I think it will be six months or more before I, and others like me, see any real income again,” she said.
“We are trying to find ways not just to tread water but keep our heads above water. All my savings have long gone and the private sector has to compete with a Government-owned, funded and heavily subsidised hotel [Mantis]. But where is a Wilmot there is a way!” According to Ms Wilmot, at least two business people on the island have recently been forced to sell their homes to repay bank loans.
Those involved in tourism continue to press for a direct air link to Europe, ideally Britain – rather than, or ideally as well as, South Africa. These people include Paul O’Sullivan, a successful South African businessman and the CEO of Trade Winds Corporation Plc (formerly St Helena Corporation Plc).
Mr O’Sullivan has ambitious, multi-million-pound leisure development plans for the island but St Helena’s partial “lockdown” means these are currently on hold. However, he believes that the setback is only temporary, telling me: “We just have to sit it out. I remain positive about the future of St Helena and hope that this time next year things will be back on track.”
A series of events are being planned for next year to mark the 200th anniversary of the exiled Napoleon’s death on St Helena – but even these must be in some doubt given the present circumstances.
Despite not having any cases of Covid-19, many “Saints” are practising social distancing and some shops are restricting the numbers allowed in at any one time. People with Coronavirus-like symptoms are being urged to self-isolate…just in case.
Last month Baroness Sugg, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Aid, insisted that the UK is taking its responsibilities for the British Overseas Territories “extremely seriously”. These words have been backed up by action too: the British Government has allocated £2.5 million for Coronavirus- linked aid to the island.
Lawson Henry [pictured right with Lord Ashcroft] is a member of the island’s five-strong island Executive Council (likened to a Cabinet) and also chairs the economic development committee. He told me: “There are shortages of some essential goods but retailers and importers are working with the St Helena Government to ration goods and this seems to be working.
“The Government has a number of support packages in place for business. The first to receive this support was the hospitality sector and this has been expanded to the construction sector and other businesses.
“I believe the Government is doing all it can in these challenging times but there are those who believe we should do more and others who think we have done too much.”
Dr Philip Rushbrook, the Governor of St Helena, has welcomed the arrival of emergency medical supplies and told islanders in a statement: “At times like these, it is crucial that we pull together as an island, using our good nature, compassion and resourcefulness for the greater good.”
My fondness for our 14 Overseas Territories, in general, and for St Helena, in particular, is on-going. So, too, is my concern for the well-being of “Saints” during these exacting times.
I continue to believe that it is a grave mistake that so much of our international aid budget, currently running at around £14.6 billion a year and enshrined in law, is wasted by corrupt and inept foreign regimes.
It is at times like these that we should be doing more to look after those closer to home and those in real need, including residents of St Helena and other Overseas Territories.


conservativehome--2020-05-12--Peter Golds: With councils being sent extra funding, scrutiny is essential

Cllr Peter Golds is a councillor in Tower Hamlets .
He has served as a London councillor for almost 21 years and is a Board Member of the Conservative Councillors Association .
Since the outbreak of coronavirus , Tower Hamlets has been the beneficiary of an announced £200million of additional government funding .
In a pandemic situation , and with the known local need , this huge sum was not unexpected .
The Borough of Tower Hamlets , covering the east end of London , has a population of some 317,000 people , making it now the tenth most populous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 7.63 sq.miles , it is the seventh most densely populated of the London Boroughs .
National and regional policy indicates a projected population increase of 30 per cent over the next few years , which will make this easily the most densely populated borough in London , and indeed the country .
The Borough is known for areas with substantial indices of deprivation , whilst at the same time including the Canary Wharf complex , the world ’ s fourth largest financial centre .
The complexities of governance with extremes of wealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the two decades of this century , the borough has frequently been in the news , blighted by controversy relating to poor governance .
Coronavirus has hit this area hard .
There is a majority BAME population , overwhelmingly from Bangladesh , often living in poorly maintained and overcrowded housing .
There is also high unemployment within this community .
Like the adjoining councils , Hackney to the north , and Newham to the east , the borough is governed by an executive mayor which concentrates policy and decision making into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councillors only exercise actual decision making with regard to the regulatory matters of licensing and planning .
Their main function is the scrutiny of mayoral decision making and a two-stage process of approving the Mayoral budget .
A simple majority of councillors can reject the budget at an initial meeting , and then amend the budget at a second meeting , but only with a two-thirds majority .
If this is not achieved , then the Mayoral budget is implemented .
Hackney and Tower Hamlets have overwhelming Labour majorities , whilst Newham is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each has a Labour mayor and therefore the budget inevitably passes as proposed .
Tower Hamlets has a very small number of opposition councillors .
However , they are all well versed in local government , strong minded , and not afraid to ask difficult questions as and when necessary .
Early in the crisis the council established a number of centres to provide free school meals across the borough – apart from the Isle of Dogs .
This changed when opposition councillors along with residents protested .
Certainly in a crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor personally exercises enormous powers .
This is a good thing inasmuch as the decision making is clear , as long as it is accompanied by transparency .
For councillors the issue has been how to scrutinise decisions in a meaningful way and how to continue to undertake regulatory tasks , in a situation where the primary focus must be managing the local response to the pandemic .
The Mayor had previously resolved to bring the council ’ s refuse contract “ in house.
” Unfortunately implementation of this was as the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by refuse workers causing a backlog of rubbish clearance in March and April .
The Tower Hamlets Mayor has been making his decisions online .
Reports have been produced and are presented on line by the officers .
Members can submit questions which are considered before the Mayor ’ s decision is announced .
Members of overview and scrutiny have met via web cast and the council has successfully held a licensing meeting by web – which was open to public viewing .
Since the outbreak , the council has received substantial funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
This can be seen as follows : • Small Business Rate Relief and the new Extended Retail Relief scheme : £78.8m – received and if comments are anything to go by , the council team is working well to deliver this .
The council is due the funds relating to the 100 per cent Business Rates relief in 20/21 – this is estimated at £98m but will be received in parts over the year .
There was also £12,752 for 2019/20 homelessness paid in March .
As well as handling this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In one of these , the council stumbled in the initial stages of the lockdown , closing Victoria Park , by far the largest open space in the borough , located on the northern border with Hackney .
This closure was not helped with YouTube images of some heavy-handed policing in the park .
Common sense prevailed and the park has re-opened as a place of exercise in this densely populated authority .
In the south of the borough , the Greenwich foot tunnel has been closed stopping the ability to cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been controversy for some time regarding the foot tunnel as pedestrians have vied with cyclists ( who ignore rules forbidding cycling ) for use of a narrow space which made social distancing all but impossible .
The situation has now been changed with closure only at weekends and bank holidays , although the lifts to the tunnel itself are out of action all the time .
As the lockdown commenced , groups came together to help the disadvantaged , and volunteers have been delivering food parcels and , where possible , trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vulnerable .
It should be remembered that not all the elderly are vulnerable and that not all the vulnerable are elderly .
My colleague , Cllr Andrew Wood , organises a Canary Wharf residents Facebook group which has 14,000 registered friends .
He is assiduous in posting national and local information and official notices .
This has become an invaluable resource of information for residents .
With council staff concentrating on handling the emergency , the focus on casework has changed .
Councillors have not been able to hold face to face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages have increased in importance .
The council is prioritising enquiries with those relating to coronavirus regarded as the most important .
There has been an increase in burials at the council leased ground in a cemetery in Bromley .
This site was purchased during the Rahman administration as an attempt to subsidise burials .
Until the last few weeks burials at the site were few and far between .
With the sums of taxpayers money pouring into the council , scrutiny is essential .
This is from the taxpayer and not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cllr Wood and I were both concerned at one decision to allocate £98,000 to “ community and faith groups.
” This was reminiscent of the Rahman era .
In particular , the two largest allocations stood out .
The Osmani Trust , which received £28,000 and the Docklands Community Organisation ( which is not a community organisation ) which received £16,000 both had strong connections to the Rahman administration .
As well as community groups helping residents we have an active community of “ council watchers ” who do their best to shine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all have seen the pictures and accounts of the creation of the Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre , which is close to the border of Newham and Tower Hamlets .
My abiding memory of 2020 will be that this very place was to have been the venue where , for at least four of the London Assembly constituencies , votes would have been counted over the weekend , as the climax of the 2020 local elections .
Let us hope that we can return to normality as soon as possible .

Cllr Peter Golds is a councillor in Tower Hamlets. He has served as a London councillor for almost 21 years and is a Board Member of the Conservative Councillors Association.
Since the outbreak of coronavirus, Tower Hamlets has been the beneficiary of an announced £200million of additional government funding. In a pandemic situation, and with the known local need, this huge sum was not unexpected.
The Borough of Tower Hamlets, covering the east end of London, has a population of some 317,000 people, making it now the tenth most populous of the 32 London boroughs. Covering just 7.63 sq.miles, it is the seventh most densely populated of the London Boroughs. National and regional policy indicates a projected population increase of 30 per cent over the next few years, which will make this easily the most densely populated borough in London, and indeed the country.
The Borough is known for areas with substantial indices of deprivation, whilst at the same time including the Canary Wharf complex, the world’s fourth largest financial centre. The complexities of governance with extremes of wealth and poverty adjoining one another are enormous. During the two decades of this century, the borough has frequently been in the news, blighted by controversy relating to poor governance.
Coronavirus has hit this area hard. There is a majority BAME population, overwhelmingly from Bangladesh, often living in poorly maintained and overcrowded housing. There is also high unemployment within this community. Like the adjoining councils, Hackney to the north, and Newham to the east, the borough is governed by an executive mayor which concentrates policy and decision making into a single, directly elected figure.
Councillors only exercise actual decision making with regard to the regulatory matters of licensing and planning. Their main function is the scrutiny of mayoral decision making and a two-stage process of approving the Mayoral budget. A simple majority of councillors can reject the budget at an initial meeting, and then amend the budget at a second meeting, but only with a two-thirds majority. If this is not achieved, then the Mayoral budget is implemented. Hackney and Tower Hamlets have overwhelming Labour majorities, whilst Newham is a single party council under Labour control. Each has a Labour mayor and therefore the budget inevitably passes as proposed.
Tower Hamlets has a very small number of opposition councillors. However, they are all well versed in local government, strong minded, and not afraid to ask difficult questions as and when necessary. Early in the crisis the council established a number of centres to provide free school meals across the borough – apart from the Isle of Dogs. This changed when opposition councillors along with residents protested.
Certainly in a crisis situation such as with Coronavirus, the mayor personally exercises enormous powers. This is a good thing inasmuch as the decision making is clear, as long as it is accompanied by transparency. For councillors the issue has been how to scrutinise decisions in a meaningful way and how to continue to undertake regulatory tasks, in a situation where the primary focus must be managing the local response to the pandemic. The Mayor had previously resolved to bring the council’s refuse contract “in house.” Unfortunately implementation of this was as the crisis was breaking and there was a strike by refuse workers causing a backlog of rubbish clearance in March and April.
The Tower Hamlets Mayor has been making his decisions online. Reports have been produced and are presented on line by the officers. Members can submit questions which are considered before the Mayor’s decision is announced. Members of overview and scrutiny have met via web cast and the council has successfully held a licensing meeting by web – which was open to public viewing.
Since the outbreak, the council has received substantial funding from the taxpayer, provided by the government. This can be seen as follows:
Small Business Rate Relief and the new Extended Retail Relief scheme: £78.8m – received and if comments are anything to go by, the council team is working well to deliver this.
Covid-19 Emergency Funding grant: £10,448,682.
Covid -19 Hardship Fund: £4,382,100.
The council is due the funds relating to the 100 per cent Business Rates relief in 20/21 – this is estimated at £98m but will be received in parts over the year.
There was also £12,752 for 2019/20 homelessness paid in March.
As well as handling this additional funding the council undertook many decisions.
In one of these, the council stumbled in the initial stages of the lockdown, closing Victoria Park, by far the largest open space in the borough, located on the northern border with Hackney. This closure was not helped with YouTube images of some heavy-handed policing in the park. Common sense prevailed and the park has re-opened as a place of exercise in this densely populated authority. In the south of the borough, the Greenwich foot tunnel has been closed stopping the ability to cross the River Thames by foot. There has been controversy for some time regarding the foot tunnel as pedestrians have vied with cyclists (who ignore rules forbidding cycling) for use of a narrow space which made social distancing all but impossible. The situation has now been changed with closure only at weekends and bank holidays, although the lifts to the tunnel itself are out of action all the time.
As the lockdown commenced, groups came together to help the disadvantaged, and volunteers have been delivering food parcels and, where possible, trying to keep in touch with the elderly and vulnerable. It should be remembered that not all the elderly are vulnerable and that not all the vulnerable are elderly. My colleague, Cllr Andrew Wood, organises a Canary Wharf residents Facebook group which has 14,000 registered friends. He is assiduous in posting national and local information and official notices. This has become an invaluable resource of information for residents.
With council staff concentrating on handling the emergency, the focus on casework has changed. Councillors have not been able to hold face to face advice sessions, but email and personal messages have increased in importance. The council is prioritising enquiries with those relating to coronavirus regarded as the most important.
There has been an increase in burials at the council leased ground in a cemetery in Bromley. This site was purchased during the Rahman administration as an attempt to subsidise burials. Until the last few weeks burials at the site were few and far between.
With the sums of taxpayers money pouring into the council, scrutiny is essential. This is from the taxpayer and not a new resource or from their reserves. Cllr Wood and I were both concerned at one decision to allocate £98,000 to “community and faith groups.” This was reminiscent of the Rahman era. In particular, the two largest allocations stood out. The Osmani Trust, which received £28,000 and the Docklands Community Organisation (which is not a community organisation) which received £16,000 both had strong connections to the Rahman administration.
As well as community groups helping residents we have an active community of “council watchers” who do their best to shine lights on the council.
You will all have seen the pictures and accounts of the creation of the Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre, which is close to the border of Newham and Tower Hamlets. My abiding memory of 2020 will be that this very place was to have been the venue where, for at least four of the London Assembly constituencies, votes would have been counted over the weekend, as the climax of the 2020 local elections. Let us hope that we can return to normality as soon as possible.


conservativehome--2020-05-12--Starmer – and how the Coronavirus is giving old-fashioned class politics a new lease of life

A truce has been agreed in the virus-driven revival of the struggle between labour and capital .
The Government ’ s new sectoral health and safety guidelines , published yesterday , were greeted by the TUC as a “ step in the right direction ” , following talks between the Government , the CBI and the unions .
Alok Sharma , Nadhim Zahawi and other Ministers who worked to get agreement will breathe a sign of relief .
But though a truce can last for a long time , it ’ s not to be confused with a peace settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions alongside him , is signalling hostilities .
Significantly , the Labour leader led on “ safety in the workforce ” in construction and manufacturing in his response to Boris Johnson ’ s statement yesterday .
At first glance , his questions may have looked like an exercise in lawyerly detail-mongering .
But the more one follows what he said , the more one comes to see that he was painting a bigger picture .
Starmer is manoeuvering to put the Government on the defensive over a return to the workplace and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was asking : “ are those who can ’ t work from home safe to go back to work ” ?
As he well knew , this is a question that Ministers can ’ t answer definitively .
Which gives him opportunities to press them further on specifics , such as social distancing arrangements in offices , factories , schools and on public transport .
This exercise marked the latest shift in Labour ’ s approach to the pandemic .
When the economic contraction began , Jonathan Ashworth was a model of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position has slowly shifted .
Consider Matt Hancock ’ s recent tangle with Rosena Allin-Khan .
And now we have Starmer ’ s upping of the ante .
The risk for him is that he comes to be seen as a mere opportunist , willing to jettison an instrinic interest of workers – namely , getting the whole economy going again – so that he can score cheap political points in alliance with narrow trade union objectives .
However , the potential downside for Ministers is that they are forced into the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapacious capitalists who are willing to see their employees die of the virus in order to make a fast buck .
Starmer is working off the back of the caculation that most manual workers can ’ t work from home , can ’ t furlough , are likely to be relatively poor , more likely to live in flats without gardens than office workers , and so are disproportionately more at risk from the virus .
Furthermore , they will contain large numbers not just of ethnic minority members and of Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern , Midlands and Red Wall seats .
That most of those who have lost their lives to date are over 65 , and thus unlikely to be active in the labour market , is beside the campaigning point here .
Which is that the Coronavirus is giving old-fashioned class politics a new lease of life .
Boris Johnson will be well aware of this – and will be more concerned about heading Starmer off , and this threat from the left , than about the restive Tory press , and complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .

A truce has been agreed in the virus-driven revival of the struggle between labour and capital.
The Government’s new sectoral health and safety guidelines, published yesterday, were greeted by the TUC as a “step in the right direction”, following talks between the Government, the CBI and the unions. Alok Sharma, Nadhim Zahawi and other Ministers who worked to get agreement will breathe a sign of relief.
But though a truce can last for a long time, it’s not to be confused with a peace settlement. And Keir Starmer, with the unions alongside him, is signalling hostilities.
Significantly, the Labour leader led on “safety in the workforce” in construction and manufacturing in his response to Boris Johnson’s statement yesterday. At first glance, his questions may have looked like an exercise in lawyerly detail-mongering. But the more one follows what he said, the more one comes to see that he was painting a bigger picture.
Starmer is manoeuvering to put the Government on the defensive over a return to the workplace and the safety of workers.
In effect, he was asking: “are those who can’t work from home safe to go back to work”? As he well knew, this is a question that Ministers can’t answer definitively. Which gives him opportunities to press them further on specifics, such as social distancing arrangements in offices, factories, schools and on public transport.
This exercise marked the latest shift in Labour’s approach to the pandemic. When the economic contraction began, Jonathan Ashworth was a model of constructive opposition.
The party’s position has slowly shifted. Consider Matt Hancock’s recent tangle with Rosena Allin-Khan.
And now we have Starmer’s upping of the ante. The risk for him is that he comes to be seen as a mere opportunist, willing to jettison an instrinic interest of workers – namely, getting the whole economy going again – so that he can score cheap political points in alliance with narrow trade union objectives.
However, the potential downside for Ministers is that they are forced into the position of seeming to be the friends of rapacious capitalists who are willing to see their employees die of the virus in order to make a fast buck.
(That business owners have no interest in risking the lives of their workers – indeed, that they have a big stake in keeping them healthy – needn’t detain us for the moment.)
Starmer is working off the back of the caculation that most manual workers can’t work from home, can’t furlough, are likely to be relatively poor, more likely to live in flats without gardens than office workers, and so are disproportionately more at risk from the virus.
Furthermore, they will contain large numbers not just of ethnic minority members and of Labour’s residual voters, but of people in Northern, Midlands and Red Wall seats.
That most of those who have lost their lives to date are over 65, and thus unlikely to be active in the labour market, is beside the campaigning point here. Which is that the Coronavirus is giving old-fashioned class politics a new lease of life.
Boris Johnson will be well aware of this – and will be more concerned about heading Starmer off, and this threat from the left, than about the restive Tory press, and complaints from the right about the extent of the lockdown.