conservativehome--2020-08-20--Stephen Booth: Why Stilton matters to the Japanese trade deal – and how talks can bring the UK close

Stephen Booth: Why Stilton matters to the Japanese trade deal – and how talks can bring the UK closer to the CPTPP

Stephen Booth is Head of the Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange .
Global trade is the result of billions of individual decisions taken by businesses and consumers , but trade negotiations and agreements are inherently political .
They not only require politicians and policymakers to haggle , in painstaking detail , over tariffs , quotas , rules and regulations ; trade deals are also tools of foreign policy and in an increasingly unsettled , competitive and multi-polar world they can signify alliances between nations or groups of nations .
Outside the EU , the UK ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and wider geopolitical interests .
Last week , we learnt that the UK-Japan trade talks had hit a roadblock over UK demands for greater market access for exports of Stilton cheese .
The talks still seem likely to conclude successfully but the episode illustrates how seemingly small issues can play a disproportionate role in trade negotiations .
This would be a significant agreement for the UK .
Japan is the third largest economy in the world and an increasingly important strategic ally for the UK post-Brexit .
A UK-Japan trade deal is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s accession to the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) .
Total UK exports to Japan are already worth around £14 billion , just over half of which are in services , so increasing the market for UK blue cheese exports , which is currently worth around £100,000 in Japan , might appear a strange issue to potentially derail the talks .
However , the UK ’ s demands on Stilton have not simply come out of the blue .
Growth in cheese exports is a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for International Trade ( DIT ) noting that the UK made it into the top ten cheese exporters worldwide in 2018 , selling £665 million worth , almost half of which was cheddar .
Growth in Asian markets in particular has been strong , with demand in China rising from £67,000 in 2013 to £6.5 million in 2018 , so it is not unreasonable for the UK to seek greater opportunities for these products in Japan .
More significantly , the UK-Japan deal will replace the EU-Japan deal , which will cease to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period ends on January 1 , 2021 .
The goal , largely on the insistence of Japan , has been to seek a new agreement , rather than simply copy and paste the existing EU-Japan deal .
Inevitably , however , with time tight , these talks have not departed significantly from the EU-Japan precedent with regard to trade in goods ( services and data are likely to be the more innovative aspects of a UK-Japan deal ) .
“ Automotive for agriculture ” was a major feature of the EU-Japan negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been targeting an immediate removal of UK car tariffs , whereas the EU-Japan agreement only provides for phased reductions over several years .
The UK has understandably countered that it can not make the concession for nothing in return .
Under the EU-Japan deal , Japanese tariffs on hard cheeses such as cheddar would be phased out by 2033 .
But for blue cheeses , such as Stilton , there will only be duty-free access on an agreed quota .
Reportedly , the UK has also targeted a faster reduction to Japanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is successful in increasing the quota or removing tariffs faster , it will have achieved concessions the EU did not , which would have obvious symbolic significance for Brexiteers .
We don ’ t yet know the full details of the eventual UK-Japan deal but the likely compromise is that neither side will get as much as they would like on cars or agriculture .
Ultimately , this kind of tussle is part of the theatre of end-game trade negotiations , where both sides need to be seen by domestic audiences to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given the importance of getting the agricultural lobby onboard in various UK trade negotiations to come , going into bat for British agriculture now is not a bad PR move for the Government .
Some commentators have questioned whether spending political capital on trade agreements is worth the candle since the estimated macroeconomic gains from them are relatively small .
DIT estimates the increase to UK GDP from a Japan deal will be 0.07 per cent over the long run , while a deal with the United States would provide up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside a valid debate about how accurately existing models capture all the facets of comprehensive modern trade agreements , these types of numbers are not unique to UK FTAs .
The EU-Japan deal ( the biggest ever completed by the EU ) was estimated to boost EU GDP by 0.14 per cent , a figure regarded by independent researchers as “ plausible , though at the high end of the range of past estimates ” .
Ultimately , for advanced and open economies , trade agreements are rarely macroeconomically significant .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade-offs to be made between them .
These decisions can be hugely important for individual sectors , which is why they can be politically controversial .
Beyond any quantifiable economic benefits , closer economic and political cooperation via trade agreements presents an opportunity to build coalitions to help shape the course of regional or global developments .
Successful conclusion of the Japan agreement and accession to the CPTPP will boost the economic and political relevance of the UK in the Indo-Pacific region , which is likely to host most of the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Similarly , Japan ’ s enthusiasm to reach a deal with the UK is not only about commerce .
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi ’ s recent trip to London also provided a chance to discuss bilateral co-operation on security and defence , including the UK ’ s stronger stance towards China on issues such as Huawei and Hong Kong .
A trade deal is another way to strengthen strategic bonds .
It is worth keeping this mind as another round of UK-EU talks – in this case to loosen ties – get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had wanted the Brexit debate to be about trade above all else , but it was always primarily about politics .
All trade agreements are political , but the level of economic and legal integration in the EU means it is as much , if not more , about politics than trade .
Remain lost because it was unable , or unwilling , to make the intrinsic case for political union , or at least that it should be tolerated .
Indeed , the most significant macroeconomic consequences of Brexit – leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow from the political desire to “ take back control ” of trade and regulatory policy .
Continued dependence on Brussels in these fields without a vote in the EU ’ s political institutions was always likely to be untenable for the UK in the long-term .
Equally , sovereignty is never absolute .
The more integration the UK seeks from trade agreements with the likes of the US and the CPTPP in the future , the more the UK will face difficult political trade-offs over its approaches to various issues from agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Existing trade flows and geographical proximity to the EU will inevitably play some role in how the UK takes these decisions over the long-term .
However , it shouldn ’ t be a surprise that Brexit means treating the EU much more like any other trade partner .
It ’ s the politics , stupid !

Stephen Booth is Head of the Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange.
Global trade is the result of billions of individual decisions taken by businesses and consumers, but trade negotiations and agreements are inherently political. They not only require politicians and policymakers to haggle, in painstaking detail, over tariffs, quotas, rules and regulations; trade deals are also tools of foreign policy and in an increasingly unsettled, competitive and multi-polar world they can signify alliances between nations or groups of nations. Outside the EU, the UK’s trade agreements must therefore simultaneously address narrow economic and wider geopolitical interests.
Last week, we learnt that the UK-Japan trade talks had hit a roadblock over UK demands for greater market access for exports of Stilton cheese. The talks still seem likely to conclude successfully but the episode illustrates how seemingly small issues can play a disproportionate role in trade negotiations.
This would be a significant agreement for the UK. Japan is the third largest economy in the world and an increasingly important strategic ally for the UK post-Brexit. A UK-Japan trade deal is also an important step towards the UK’s accession to the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Total UK exports to Japan are already worth around £14 billion, just over half of which are in services, so increasing the market for UK blue cheese exports, which is currently worth around £100,000 in Japan, might appear a strange issue to potentially derail the talks. However, the UK’s demands on Stilton have not simply come out of the blue.
Growth in cheese exports is a recent UK success story, with the Department for International Trade (DIT) noting that the UK made it into the top ten cheese exporters worldwide in 2018, selling £665 million worth, almost half of which was cheddar. Growth in Asian markets in particular has been strong, with demand in China rising from £67,000 in 2013 to £6.5 million in 2018, so it is not unreasonable for the UK to seek greater opportunities for these products in Japan.
More significantly, the UK-Japan deal will replace the EU-Japan deal, which will cease to apply to the UK when the Brexit transition period ends on January 1, 2021. The goal, largely on the insistence of Japan, has been to seek a new agreement, rather than simply copy and paste the existing EU-Japan deal. Inevitably, however, with time tight, these talks have not departed significantly from the EU-Japan precedent with regard to trade in goods (services and data are likely to be the more innovative aspects of a UK-Japan deal).
“Automotive for agriculture” was a major feature of the EU-Japan negotiations and, in this case, Japan has been targeting an immediate removal of UK car tariffs, whereas the EU-Japan agreement only provides for phased reductions over several years. The UK has understandably countered that it cannot make the concession for nothing in return.
Under the EU-Japan deal, Japanese tariffs on hard cheeses such as cheddar would be phased out by 2033. But for blue cheeses, such as Stilton, there will only be duty-free access on an agreed quota. Reportedly, the UK has also targeted a faster reduction to Japanese tariffs on pork. If the UK is successful in increasing the quota or removing tariffs faster, it will have achieved concessions the EU did not, which would have obvious symbolic significance for Brexiteers.
We don’t yet know the full details of the eventual UK-Japan deal but the likely compromise is that neither side will get as much as they would like on cars or agriculture. Ultimately, this kind of tussle is part of the theatre of end-game trade negotiations, where both sides need to be seen by domestic audiences to be fighting hard over every inch. Indeed, given the importance of getting the agricultural lobby onboard in various UK trade negotiations to come, going into bat for British agriculture now is not a bad PR move for the Government.
Some commentators have questioned whether spending political capital on trade agreements is worth the candle since the estimated macroeconomic gains from them are relatively small. DIT estimates the increase to UK GDP from a Japan deal will be 0.07 per cent over the long run, while a deal with the United States would provide up to a 0.16 per cent boost.
Putting aside a valid debate about how accurately existing models capture all the facets of comprehensive modern trade agreements, these types of numbers are not unique to UK FTAs. The EU-Japan deal (the biggest ever completed by the EU) was estimated to boost EU GDP by 0.14 per cent, a figure regarded by independent researchers as “plausible, though at the high end of the range of past estimates”.
Ultimately, for advanced and open economies, trade agreements are rarely macroeconomically significant. They are opportunities to address microeconomic issues and require trade-offs to be made between them. These decisions can be hugely important for individual sectors, which is why they can be politically controversial.
Beyond any quantifiable economic benefits, closer economic and political cooperation via trade agreements presents an opportunity to build coalitions to help shape the course of regional or global developments. Successful conclusion of the Japan agreement and accession to the CPTPP will boost the economic and political relevance of the UK in the Indo-Pacific region, which is likely to host most of the world’s economic growth in the years ahead.
Similarly, Japan’s enthusiasm to reach a deal with the UK is not only about commerce. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s recent trip to London also provided a chance to discuss bilateral co-operation on security and defence, including the UK’s stronger stance towards China on issues such as Huawei and Hong Kong. A trade deal is another way to strengthen strategic bonds.
It is worth keeping this mind as another round of UK-EU talks – in this case to loosen ties – get underway this week. The Remain campaign had wanted the Brexit debate to be about trade above all else, but it was always primarily about politics. All trade agreements are political, but the level of economic and legal integration in the EU means it is as much, if not more, about politics than trade. Remain lost because it was unable, or unwilling, to make the intrinsic case for political union, or at least that it should be tolerated.
Indeed, the most significant macroeconomic consequences of Brexit – leaving the customs union and the single market – flow from the political desire to “take back control” of trade and regulatory policy. Continued dependence on Brussels in these fields without a vote in the EU’s political institutions was always likely to be untenable for the UK in the long-term.
Equally, sovereignty is never absolute. The more integration the UK seeks from trade agreements with the likes of the US and the CPTPP in the future, the more the UK will face difficult political trade-offs over its approaches to various issues from agricultural liberalisation to the regulation of data. Existing trade flows and geographical proximity to the EU will inevitably play some role in how the UK takes these decisions over the long-term.
However, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Brexit means treating the EU much more like any other trade partner. It’s the politics, stupid!


conservativehome--2020-08-20--Meghan Gallacher: The Scottish Government must deliver a recovery plan for councils

Cllr Meghan Gallacher is the Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Group on North Lanarkshire Council .
Before the Coronavirus outbreak , Councils across Scotland were under severe financial strain due to a decade of cuts administered by the SNP-led Scottish Government , exacerbated by a 10-year Council Tax freeze throttling income generation .
Local Authorities appear to be an afterthought when it comes to the Nationalists and you could be mistaken for believing that they are an inconvenience to the current Scottish Administration .
However , as cases of Coronavirus increased throughout the country in March , councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , providing support to many people and businesses .
It is easy to underestimate the vast amount of work carried out by local authorities in Scotland .
Councils are the backbone of the governance structure as they deliver policies approved by the Scottish Government – usually with no additional funding , guidance , or resources to implement them .
Coronavirus has outlined the strength and struggles local government faces .
Instead of dictating to Councils , the Scottish Government should fund them properly to allow them to make more localised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objectives .
Take North Lanarkshire for example .
My Council has coped reasonably well throughout this difficult time , despite reducing working employees to 25 per cent across the public sector .
Council staff have managed to administer grants to thousands of businesses , delivered care packages to those shielding , opened facilities to assist key workers , worked successfully with the local NHS Board , and delivered a phased schools return on the 11th August .
However , they have struggled with other service areas such as Early Learning and Childcare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rug from under them by immediately pausing the programme .
As we are now in phase three of the easing of lockdown , the financial cost implications of Coronavirus are beginning to mount up .
Most decisions taken during lockdown were necessary , however , we are beginning to learn of the detrimental impact this could have on services the Council currently provides .
In February this year , Councillors voted to make roughly £25 million worth of savings which impacted service areas such as education , social care , and environmental services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Council was at breaking point .
There are barely any non-statutory services left to cut .
Now , with added cost implications of COVID-19 , North Lanarkshire Council could face an up to £40m budget gap before the end of the next financial year .
This will lead to a revised budget where councillors will need to make more difficult decisions to balance the books .
North Lanarkshire Council is not in a unique position .
Many other Councils throughout Scotland will have to reconsider the budget decisions they made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressures of Coronavirus .
The UK Government has delivered for Scottish Councils during this pandemic and included within their package of support was £155 million for councils to keep public services open for those that need them .
However , at one point , I did not think councils would receive this funding , as the SNP wanted them to specify how they would spend this money before handing it over .
But councils need more support from the Scottish Government .
The Finance Secretary , Kate Forbes , has not been forthcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replenish their finances and instead , has flippantly told local government to use its reserves before knocking on the Scottish Government ’ s door for more cash .
If Forbes had any understanding of local government finances , she would be aware that Councils do not have a lot of reserves left , due to the austerity inflicted on them by her own Scottish Government .
This shows that the SNP do not understand Councils , their structure , or their importance .
The actions of the Scottish Government have left Councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is uncertain and the handling of finances before and during Coronavirus has left them more exposed than ever .
The Scottish Government must stop the overbearing micromanagement of Local Government finances and fund them properly so they can prosper .
Make no doubt about it .
Councils provided a lifeline during the Coronavirus pandemic ; it is now time for the Scottish Government to return the favour .

Cllr Meghan Gallacher is the Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Group on North Lanarkshire Council.
Before the Coronavirus outbreak, Councils across Scotland were under severe financial strain due to a decade of cuts administered by the SNP-led Scottish Government, exacerbated by a 10-year Council Tax freeze throttling income generation. Local Authorities appear to be an afterthought when it comes to the Nationalists and you could be mistaken for believing that they are an inconvenience to the current Scottish Administration. However, as cases of Coronavirus increased throughout the country in March, councils in Scotland found themselves at the forefront of the pandemic, providing support to many people and businesses.
It is easy to underestimate the vast amount of work carried out by local authorities in Scotland. Councils are the backbone of the governance structure as they deliver policies approved by the Scottish Government – usually with no additional funding, guidance, or resources to implement them. Coronavirus has outlined the strength and struggles local government faces. Instead of dictating to Councils, the Scottish Government should fund them properly to allow them to make more localised decisions, based on their own individual objectives.
Take North Lanarkshire for example. My Council has coped reasonably well throughout this difficult time, despite reducing working employees to 25 per cent across the public sector. Council staff have managed to administer grants to thousands of businesses, delivered care packages to those shielding, opened facilities to assist key workers, worked successfully with the local NHS Board, and delivered a phased schools return on the 11th August. However, they have struggled with other service areas such as Early Learning and Childcare, due to the Scottish Government pulling the rug from under them by immediately pausing the programme.
As we are now in phase three of the easing of lockdown, the financial cost implications of Coronavirus are beginning to mount up. Most decisions taken during lockdown were necessary, however, we are beginning to learn of the detrimental impact this could have on services the Council currently provides. In February this year, Councillors voted to make roughly £25 million worth of savings which impacted service areas such as education, social care, and environmental services. Without the additional pressures of Coronavirus, the Council was at breaking point. There are barely any non-statutory services left to cut. Now, with added cost implications of COVID-19, North Lanarkshire Council could face an up to £40m budget gap before the end of the next financial year. This will lead to a revised budget where councillors will need to make more difficult decisions to balance the books.
North Lanarkshire Council is not in a unique position. Many other Councils throughout Scotland will have to reconsider the budget decisions they made in February, to accommodate the additional cost pressures of Coronavirus. The UK Government has delivered for Scottish Councils during this pandemic and included within their package of support was £155 million for councils to keep public services open for those that need them. However, at one point, I did not think councils would receive this funding, as the SNP wanted them to specify how they would spend this money before handing it over.
But councils need more support from the Scottish Government. The Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, has not been forthcoming in highlighting a recovery plan for Councils to replenish their finances and instead, has flippantly told local government to use its reserves before knocking on the Scottish Government’s door for more cash. If Forbes had any understanding of local government finances, she would be aware that Councils do not have a lot of reserves left, due to the austerity inflicted on them by her own Scottish Government. This shows that the SNP do not understand Councils, their structure, or their importance.
The actions of the Scottish Government have left Councils in a precarious position. Their future is uncertain and the handling of finances before and during Coronavirus has left them more exposed than ever. The Scottish Government must stop the overbearing micromanagement of Local Government finances and fund them properly so they can prosper.
Make no doubt about it. Councils provided a lifeline during the Coronavirus pandemic; it is now time for the Scottish Government to return the favour.


conservativehome--2020-08-20--What is the current status of Europe’s situation with Covid-19?

Yesterday , ConservativeHome updated readers on the current status of the UK ’ s situation with Coronavirus ( today there are 1,182 new cases and six deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive test ) .
The next question is , of course , how this compares to Europe .
There are a number of different sources offering information on European rates , some of which contradict each other , due to when the data was collected and uploaded onto sites .
For the purpose of consistency , we have gone with John Hopkins University of Medicine ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a selection of countries that are often compared to the UK .
There have been 582 new cases and 10 new deaths in the past day ; the record high being 2,454 on April 15 and 496 on April 10 , respectively .
France ’ s data hasn ’ t been uploaded yet , but over the past week it has had 12,446 new cases and 59 new deaths .
1,586 new cases and eight new deaths in the past day ; the record high being 6,933 on March 27 and 510 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and three new deaths in the past day ; the record high being 251 on August 14 and 10 on April 3 , respectively .
642 new cases and seven new deaths in the past day ; the record high being 6,557 on March 21 and 919 on March 27 , respectively .
6,671 new cases and 127 new deaths in the past day ; the record high being 16,269 on August 17 and and 1,179 on June 19 , respectively .
192 new cases and 12 new deaths in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 29 and 185 on April 21 , respectively .
When measured in the same timeframe , it has 831 new cases and 17 new deaths ; the record high being 5,505 on April 22 and 1,224 on April 21 .
Looking at these statistics , it ’ s clear that trying to compare countries in terms of their fight against Covid-19 is far more complicated than it seems .
While there has been concern about about rising cases in the UK , it is by no means the worst affected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also it is interesting that Sweden , having received huge criticism for its approach , now only has 192 new cases , and a rapidly declining death rate .
The fact that it has “ flattened the curve ” without enforcing a full lockdown raises many questions about how much of Covid-19 ’ s decline can be attributed to the intervention ( versus a natural decline ) .
Another interesting pattern to observe is that having a high number of cases , relative to other countries , can not be taken alone as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .
Germany , for instance , has much more new cases than Sweden , but it has less deaths , indicating that – as has been remarked on before – its healthcare system is much better equipped than others ’ .
It ’ s also worth looking at some of the curves for different countries , which can be seen on Google ( if you search for a country ’ s name and “ Covid cases/deaths ” ) .
In terms of deaths , most countries display the same pattern – one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit on different timelines .
Even Greece , which has one of the lowest death rates , has a noticeable peak in April ( nine deaths ) .
Perhaps the biggest outlier in terms of the curve , both for deaths and cases , is Spain .
It has a clear peak in deaths in March ( 929 deaths ) then another higher one in June ( 997 ) – although it does seem to have trailed off .
Cases have recently been on the rise again , hence why politicians have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave in the country .
But it ’ s worth remembering that the detection of cases is also a paradox of improvements in testing regimes .
As another thesis , it may be the case that countries that went into lockdown fastest will see harsher spikes as the economy reopens again , as opposed to Sweden which lived with the virus .
It has been hypothesised that Covid-19 has a u-shaped curve , regardless of intervention , but if an intervention is applied , it may distort the pattern of Covid-19 on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appearance of the second wave ( when it may be the first one still coming through ) .
In Greece , which was one of the fastest to lockdown , this could potentially happen .
Overall , while there has been concern about cases across the continent – with France planning to make masks compulsory across all workplaces – it ’ s clear that deaths have fallen rapidly .
When making sense of these figures , politicians and journalists should use as many as possible in conjunction to assess the situation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big differences between cases and deaths per day , compared to what they were at the peak .
By all indications , there is reason to be optimistic that the most dangerous statistics are coming under control .

Yesterday, ConservativeHome updated readers on the current status of the UK’s situation with Coronavirus (today there are 1,182 new cases and six deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive test). The next question is, of course, how this compares to Europe.
There are a number of different sources offering information on European rates, some of which contradict each other, due to when the data was collected and uploaded onto sites. For the purpose of consistency, we have gone with John Hopkins University of Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Centre, and have chosen a selection of countries that are often compared to the UK.
Belgium
There have been 582 new cases and 10 new deaths in the past day; the record high being 2,454 on April 15 and 496 on April 10, respectively.
France
France’s data hasn’t been uploaded yet, but over the past week it has had 12,446 new cases and 59 new deaths.
Germany
1,586 new cases and eight new deaths in the past day; the record high being 6,933 on March 27 and 510 on April 15, respectively.
Greece
212 new cases and three new deaths in the past day; the record high being 251 on August 14 and 10 on April 3, respectively.
Italy
642 new cases and seven new deaths in the past day; the record high being 6,557 on March 21 and 919 on March 27, respectively.
Spain
6,671 new cases and 127 new deaths in the past day; the record high being 16,269 on August 17 and and 1,179 on June 19, respectively.
Sweden
192 new cases and 12 new deaths in the past day; the record high being 2,530 on June 29 and 185 on April 21, respectively.
United Kingdom
When measured in the same timeframe, it has 831 new cases and 17 new deaths; the record high being 5,505 on April 22 and 1,224 on April 21.
Some conclusions
Looking at these statistics, it’s clear that trying to compare countries in terms of their fight against Covid-19 is far more complicated than it seems.
While there has been concern about about rising cases in the UK, it is by no means the worst affected in this respect (take Spain). Also it is interesting that Sweden, having received huge criticism for its approach, now only has 192 new cases, and a rapidly declining death rate. The fact that it has “flattened the curve” without enforcing a full lockdown raises many questions about how much of Covid-19’s decline can be attributed to the intervention (versus a natural decline).
Another interesting pattern to observe is that having a high number of cases, relative to other countries, cannot be taken alone as measure of how successfully it has fought Covid-19. Germany, for instance, has much more new cases than Sweden, but it has less deaths, indicating that – as has been remarked on before – its healthcare system is much better equipped than others’.
It’s also worth looking at some of the curves for different countries, which can be seen on Google (if you search for a country’s name and “Covid cases/deaths”).
In terms of deaths, most countries display the same pattern – one peak and then a gradual decline – albeit on different timelines. Even Greece, which has one of the lowest death rates, has a noticeable peak in April (nine deaths).
Perhaps the biggest outlier in terms of the curve, both for deaths and cases, is Spain. It has a clear peak in deaths in March (929 deaths) then another higher one in June (997) – although it does seem to have trailed off. Cases have recently been on the rise again, hence why politicians have been concerned about the possibility of a second wave in the country. But it’s worth remembering that the detection of cases is also a paradox of improvements in testing regimes.
As another thesis, it may be the case that countries that went into lockdown fastest will see harsher spikes as the economy reopens again, as opposed to Sweden which lived with the virus. It has been hypothesised that Covid-19 has a u-shaped curve, regardless of intervention, but if an intervention is applied, it may distort the pattern of Covid-19 on a graph. There will be spikes and the appearance of the second wave (when it may be the first one still coming through). In Greece, which was one of the fastest to lockdown, this could potentially happen.
Overall, while there has been concern about cases across the continent – with France planning to make masks compulsory across all workplaces – it’s clear that deaths have fallen rapidly. When making sense of these figures, politicians and journalists should use as many as possible in conjunction to assess the situation with Coronavirus. They should look at the big differences between cases and deaths per day, compared to what they were at the peak.
By all indications, there is reason to be optimistic that the most dangerous statistics are coming under control.


conservativehome--2020-08-20--WATCH: Gibb on why he and other Ministers didn’t see the algorithm for results until last Thursday

' I did n't see the algorithm until it was published on Thursday' Schools minister @ NickGibbUK is asked why @ @ @ @ @ formula calculating A-level results before they were published 'It was a fair system , the @ @ @ @ @ however ' https : //t.co/3kNNjpkfHx pic.twitter.com/OIPrmv9z8u

'I didn't see the algorithm until it was published on Thursday'
Schools minister @NickGibbUK is asked why he didn't check the formula calculating A-level results before they were published
'It was a fair system, the model, something went wrong however' https://t.co/3kNNjpkfHx pic.twitter.com/OIPrmv9z8u
— ITV News Politics (@ITVNewsPolitics) August 20, 2020


conservativehome--2020-08-20--Matt Oakley: Hancock’s tech revolution is key to reducing mental ill health among NHS workers

Matthew Oakley is the Director of WPI Economics and a former Treasury civil servant .
The Conservative Party won the general election on a platform committed to public service reform .
Alongside 20,000 new police officers and a £33.9 billion boost to the NHS , the party ’ s manifesto also promised the construction of 40 new hospitals and 50,000 extra nurses .
But improving public services , including the NHS , is about more than just buildings and numbers .
It is about people .
The team manning A & E departments 24 hours a day .
The hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatres .
The clinicians going above and beyond to nurse us back to health .
It is the task of any government to ensure that those who commit so much time , energy , care and empathy looking after us , are allowed to get on and do their jobs .
Matt Hancock recognises this ; in a speech given in 2018 he stated that of his top three priorities – tech , prevention , workforce – “ workforce is the most important.
” This commitment to those working in the NHS has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the UK went into lockdown to suppress the spread of Covid-19 .
Doctors and nurses in the NHS , alongside care workers , receptionists , cleaners , and paramedics , have been saving lives day in and day out on the frontline .
It has been an extraordinary effort , which will have taken an extreme physical and emotional toll on many .
In a report I have authored , published today and commissioned by the technology company VMware , we identify the scale of the mental health challenge among the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) , we estimate that more than 10 million working days were lost to poor mental health among NHS staff across the UK in 2019 at a cost of £3 billion .
That ’ s the equivalent of every single worker in the health service taking on average seven sick days off work .
Unfortunately , due to the impact of Covid-19 , we can expect the 2020 figures to be even worse .
There isn ’ t a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A wide-ranging strategy is needed , which includes improved management practices and raised awareness within hospitals of what best mental health practice looks like .
But there is one area which will be absolutely fundamental to any improvement : technology .
A recent survey of NHS professionals showed that six in ten thought NHS IT was not fit for purpose , and in a BMA member survey four in ten respondents stated that their stress levels were significantly affected by inefficient IT and data sharing systems .
Some of the IT issues which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform is long overdue : it takes around 10 minutes to log on to many NHS systems , for example , with multiple logins necessary throughout the day .
Some NHS Trusts have as many as 110 different IT systems in place , without any connectivity between them .
This means constantly moving files of patient data from system to system or , as is more likely , using apps on personal devices such as Whatsapp to share patient details .
These digital silos are slowing NHS staff down , causing unnecessary stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues right at the heart of the health service .
Whilst these issues currently place real pressure on the time and workload of the NHS workforce , there are clear routes through which they can be tackled by improved technology .
One such example is establishing a simple principle that clinicians should have the right information on the patient in front of them , on any device that they are using and at any time , with the security you would expect to surround personal medical records .
It is a simple principle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experience of many clinicians today : saving time , easing workloads , reducing stress and improving patient care .
Creating a strong digital foundation in every hospital in the country won ’ t just relieve the pressure on staff and enable them to spend more time looking after patients .
Replacing outdated IT systems will kickstart the roll out of game changing technologies in the health service .
This could mean artificial intelligence predicting demand for hospital beds , cutting edge robotics technology revolutionising keyhole surgery , and pioneering machine learning approaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands the pressing need for this reform .
The government and NHS England have committed to providing a core level of digitisation in all hospitals by 2024 .
Many trailblazing hospitals have stepped up to the challenge and are leading from the front .
Other hospitals , however , need help in the form of technological expertise and funding .
We should provide them with the tools to allow them to update their IT backbone and enable their staff to carry out their jobs more easily .
The UK is a leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combine our expertise in both , then it will go a long way in improving the mental and indeed physical health of our dedicated NHS workers , which in turn will help all of us .

Matthew Oakley is the Director of WPI Economics and a former Treasury civil servant.
The Conservative Party won the general election on a platform committed to public service reform. Alongside 20,000 new police officers and a £33.9 billion boost to the NHS, the party’s manifesto also promised the construction of 40 new hospitals and 50,000 extra nurses.
But improving public services, including the NHS, is about more than just buildings and numbers. It is about people. The team manning A&E departments 24 hours a day. The hospital porters transferring patients from wards to operating theatres. The clinicians going above and beyond to nurse us back to health.
It is the task of any government to ensure that those who commit so much time, energy, care and empathy looking after us, are allowed to get on and do their jobs. Matt Hancock recognises this; in a speech given in 2018 he stated that of his top three priorities – tech, prevention, workforce – “workforce is the most important.”
This commitment to those working in the NHS has become even more important this year, when the UK went into lockdown to suppress the spread of Covid-19. Doctors and nurses in the NHS, alongside care workers, receptionists, cleaners, and paramedics, have been saving lives day in and day out on the frontline. It has been an extraordinary effort, which will have taken an extreme physical and emotional toll on many.
In a report I have authored, published today and commissioned by the technology company VMware, we identify the scale of the mental health challenge among the NHS workforce. Using data from NHS Trusts and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), we estimate that more than 10 million working days were lost to poor mental health among NHS staff across the UK in 2019 at a cost of £3 billion. That’s the equivalent of every single worker in the health service taking on average seven sick days off work. Unfortunately, due to the impact of Covid-19, we can expect the 2020 figures to be even worse.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of tackling mental health among NHS workers. A wide-ranging strategy is needed, which includes improved management practices and raised awareness within hospitals of what best mental health practice looks like. But there is one area which will be absolutely fundamental to any improvement: technology.
A recent survey of NHS professionals showed that six in ten thought NHS IT was not fit for purpose, and in a BMA member survey four in ten respondents stated that their stress levels were significantly affected by inefficient IT and data sharing systems.
Some of the IT issues which confront NHS staff are totally unacceptable and reform is long overdue: it takes around 10 minutes to log on to many NHS systems, for example, with multiple logins necessary throughout the day. Some NHS Trusts have as many as 110 different IT systems in place, without any connectivity between them. This means constantly moving files of patient data from system to system or, as is more likely, using apps on personal devices such as Whatsapp to share patient details. These digital silos are slowing NHS staff down, causing unnecessary stress, and creating huge inefficiencies and security issues right at the heart of the health service.
Whilst these issues currently place real pressure on the time and workload of the NHS workforce, there are clear routes through which they can be tackled by improved technology. One such example is establishing a simple principle that clinicians should have the right information on the patient in front of them, on any device that they are using and at any time, with the security you would expect to surround personal medical records. It is a simple principle, but one that would fundamentally change the experience of many clinicians today: saving time, easing workloads, reducing stress and improving patient care.
Creating a strong digital foundation in every hospital in the country won’t just relieve the pressure on staff and enable them to spend more time looking after patients. Replacing outdated IT systems will kickstart the roll out of game changing technologies in the health service. This could mean artificial intelligence predicting demand for hospital beds, cutting edge robotics technology revolutionising keyhole surgery, and pioneering machine learning approaches identifying rare diseases.
The Health Secretary understands the pressing need for this reform. The government and NHS England have committed to providing a core level of digitisation in all hospitals by 2024. Many trailblazing hospitals have stepped up to the challenge and are leading from the front. Other hospitals, however, need help in the form of technological expertise and funding. We should provide them with the tools to allow them to update their IT backbone and enable their staff to carry out their jobs more easily.
The UK is a leader in healthcare and technology. If we can combine our expertise in both, then it will go a long way in improving the mental and indeed physical health of our dedicated NHS workers, which in turn will help all of us.


conservativehome--2020-08-21--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Board of the Charity Commission – 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 .
Home Office – Her Majesty ’ s Inspectorate of Constabulary and of Fire & Rescue Authorities “ HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services ( HMICFRS ) is an independent body that inspects and reports to the public on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces in England and Wales , fire and rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies .
It aims to ensure that the public and their elected representatives can hold inspected organisations to account by monitoring trends , challenging practice and identifying areas for improvement , and making performance information accessible .
The principal role of HMICFRS is undertaking the all-force inspections of policing in England and Wales , and of all fire & rescue authorities in England ; providing the public with a clear , consistent and independent view of the quality of services in their local area.
” “ Joint Nature Conservation Committee ( JNCC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and financial framework within which the Joint Committee operates and the specific functions of the Committee and the Chair .
As Chair you will be responsible to the Defra Secretary of State for the leadership , direction and effectiveness of JNCC in line with strategies and plans agreed with Defra and the Devolved Administrations .
You will be the primary contact with Ministers for the Committee .
You will provide visible leadership and vision for JNCC , setting strategic and operational direction , ensuring good governance and , together with the Joint Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Environmental Standards Scotland will be established , initially , on a non-statutory basis from January 2021 .
It will transition to a statutory , independent body over the course of 2021 .
The Board will initially comprise of the Chair and two other members .
Once Environmental Standards Scotland becomes established as a statutory organisation , further board appointments are expected .
Members of the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland will shape how the Board performs its role , including by exercising judgement on what information to monitor ; selecting environmental concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; resolving these through agreement with public authorities , where possible ; and , highlighting any significant issues to Ministers.
” Time : 8-10 days per month initially , ~4 per month thereafter .
“ This role is therefore an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the success of the BFI and the wider British film/screen industry , and who has a track record of board leadership , to support the next chapter of British film and the continued success of the screen sectors .
The selected Board Chair will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed CEO in shaping and delivering an emerging vision for the sectors ’ recovery from Covid-19 , and long-term success thereafter .
To do so , the selected Board Chair must have achieved leadership stature in the film industry , business , a major charitable or cultural institution , or government.
” Time : Up to two days per month .
“ The Secretary of State for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport is seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to be Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund .
Applications are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Lottery Community Fund reflects the diverse society it serves .
The Fund is currently supporting communities across the UK to adjust to and recover from the coronavirus crisis .
It is also a time when the Fund has gone through a period of investment and development , making it well placed to deliver our ambitious plans to achieve the Fund ’ s purpose : supporting people and communities thrive .
The Fund has many of the building blocks in place to add even greater value to civil society and public life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vital.
” Time : Up to two days per week .
“ The Charity Commission has a clear purpose : to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society .
To help us meet that purpose , fulfil our proud commitment to represent the public interest in charity , and meet the challenges we face , in the autumn of 2018 the Board set an ambitious five-year strategic plan… The Secretary of State for the Department of Digital , Culture , Media and Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wishes to appoint a Board member to the Charity Commission for England and Wales .
A vacancy for a Non-Executive Director will be created when one member completes their term in October 2020 .
This is a senior role requiring someone with the necessary experience and non-executive skills to support the Chair in providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Charity Commission .
” “ Her Majesty ’ s Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service is supported by an inspectorate : Her Majesty ’ s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate ( HMCPSI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence about the operation , efficiency , and effectiveness of the public prosecutors ( the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) and the Serious Fraud Office ( SFO ) ) .
The purpose of this is to provide the evidence needed to allow the public prosecutors to be held to account and to improve , thereby strengthening the public ’ s trust in the prosecution process .
Her Majesty ’ s Chief Inspector and the inspectorate may inspect other prosecuting authorities by invitation.
” “ The Forensic Science Regulator ensures that the provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards .
They are responsible for : identifying the requirement for new or improved quality standards ; leading on the development of new standards ; and where necessary , providing advice and guidance so that providers of forensic science services can demonstrate compliance with common standards .
The successful candidate will ideally have a substantial background in operating at a senior level in a relevant field , encompassing at least one of the following : leadership in a forensic , or related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application of quality standards in a scientific or technical environment ; the regulatory process involving scientific standards ; or the criminal justice system.
” “ The Commissioner operates as a corporation sole , sponsored by the Department for Education and is appointed by the Secretary of State for Education .
The Commissioner ’ s primary function is promoting and protecting the rights of children in England .
The legislative basis for the office of Children ’ s Commissioner is in Part 1 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 2004 .
This establishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six year tenure of the post holder .
The legislation relating to the Children ’ s Commissioner is permissive , allowing significant flexibility for the Commissioner to determine how best to carry out his or her primary function of promoting and protecting children ’ s rights .
The Commissioner is not an Ombudsman and , in general , can not conduct investigations into the case of an individual child.
” “ We are seeking an inspirational leader with extensive business experience , international standing and a proven track record to lead Innovate UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority of Innovate UK , under a new Executive Chair , will be to transition from a grant funding body to an agency focused on transforming the UK ’ s innovation capacity and capability , taking full advantage of its considerable growth in budget .
The new Executive Chair will be expected to actively strengthen the organisation ’ s position within key markets , providing impactful thought leadership to the UK ’ s innovation system .
As the pivotal funding body for business R & D , especially for start-ups and SMEs across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expected to develop and implement system wide strategies for investment that promote the UK as a global leader in R & D and technologies of the future.
” Remuneration : £180,000 per annum base , up to £37,500 performance-related .

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and of Fire & Rescue Authorities
“HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is an independent body that inspects and reports to the public on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces in England and Wales, fire and rescue authorities in England and national law enforcement agencies. It aims to ensure that the public and their elected representatives can hold inspected organisations to account by monitoring trends, challenging practice and identifying areas for improvement, and making performance information accessible. The principal role of HMICFRS is undertaking the all-force inspections of policing in England and Wales, and of all fire & rescue authorities in England; providing the public with a clear, consistent and independent view of the quality of services in their local area.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £175,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 August
– – – – – – – – – –
Joint Nature Conservation Committee – Chair
“Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Framework Document provides the legal, administrative and financial framework within which the Joint Committee operates and the specific functions of the Committee and the Chair. As Chair you will be responsible to the Defra Secretary of State for the leadership, direction and effectiveness of JNCC in line with strategies and plans agreed with Defra and the Devolved Administrations. You will be the primary contact with Ministers for the Committee. You will provide visible leadership and vision for JNCC, setting strategic and operational direction, ensuring good governance and, together with the Joint Committee, holding the executive to account.”
Time: 2.5 days per week.
Remuneration: £40,059 per annum.
Closes: 03 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Environmental Standards Scotland – Chair/Members
“Environmental Standards Scotland will be established, initially, on a non-statutory basis from January 2021. It will transition to a statutory, independent body over the course of 2021. The Board will initially comprise of the Chair and two other members. Once Environmental Standards Scotland becomes established as a statutory organisation, further board appointments are expected. Members of the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland will shape how the Board performs its role, including by exercising judgement on what information to monitor; selecting environmental concerns for initial review and for detailed investigation; resolving these through agreement with public authorities, where possible; and, highlighting any significant issues to Ministers.”
Time: 8-10 days per month initially, ~4 per month thereafter.
Remuneration: £300/£200 per diem.
Closes: 03 September
– – – – – – – – – –
British Film Institute (BFI) – Chair
“This role is therefore an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the success of the BFI and the wider British film/screen industry, and who has a track record of board leadership, to support the next chapter of British film and the continued success of the screen sectors. The selected Board Chair will be expected to work alongside the recently appointed CEO in shaping and delivering an emerging vision for the sectors’ recovery from Covid-19, and long-term success thereafter. To do so, the selected Board Chair must have achieved leadership stature in the film industry, business, a major charitable or cultural institution, or government.”
Time: Up to two days per month.
Remuneration: Expenses.
Closes: 05 September
– – – – – – – – – –
National Lottery Community Fund – Chair of the Board
“The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to be Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund. Applications are welcomed from underrepresented groups to ensure the National Lottery Community Fund reflects the diverse society it serves. The Fund is currently supporting communities across the UK to adjust to and recover from the coronavirus crisis. It is also a time when the Fund has gone through a period of investment and development, making it well placed to deliver our ambitious plans to achieve the Fund’s purpose: supporting people and communities thrive. The Fund has many of the building blocks in place to add even greater value to civil society and public life. Our contribution is as varied as it is vital.”
Time: Up to two days per week.
Remuneration: £40,000 per annum plus expenses.
Closes: 07 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Charity Commission – Board Member
“The Charity Commission has a clear purpose: to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society. To help us meet that purpose, fulfil our proud commitment to represent the public interest in charity, and meet the challenges we face, in the autumn of 2018 the Board set an ambitious five-year strategic plan… The Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, wishes to appoint a Board member to the Charity Commission for England and Wales. A vacancy for a Non-Executive Director will be created when one member completes their term in October 2020. This is a senior role requiring someone with the necessary experience and non-executive skills to support the Chair in providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Charity Commission. ”
Time: Approx. 24 days per year.
Remuneration: £350 per diem plus expenses.
Closes: 13 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate – Chief Inspector
“Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service is supported by an inspectorate: Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI). The inspectorate provides independently assessed evidence about the operation, efficiency, and effectiveness of the public prosecutors (the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)). The purpose of this is to provide the evidence needed to allow the public prosecutors to be held to account and to improve, thereby strengthening the public’s trust in the prosecution process. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector and the inspectorate may inspect other prosecuting authorities by invitation.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £125,000 per annum.
Closes: 14 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Forensic Science Regulator
“The Forensic Science Regulator ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards. They are responsible for: identifying the requirement for new or improved quality standards; leading on the development of new standards; and where necessary, providing advice and guidance so that providers of forensic science services can demonstrate compliance with common standards. The successful candidate will ideally have a substantial background in operating at a senior level in a relevant field, encompassing at least one of the following: leadership in a forensic, or related, scientific discipline; the development and application of quality standards in a scientific or technical environment; the regulatory process involving scientific standards; or the criminal justice system.”
Time: 3-4 days per week.
Remuneration: £96,000 per annum FTE.
Closes: 14 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Education – Children’s Commissioner for England
“The Commissioner operates as a corporation sole, sponsored by the Department for Education and is appointed by the Secretary of State for Education. The Commissioner’s primary function is promoting and protecting the rights of children in England. The legislative basis for the office of Children’s Commissioner is in Part 1 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 2004. This establishes the independence of the office and the six year tenure of the post holder. The legislation relating to the Children’s Commissioner is permissive, allowing significant flexibility for the Commissioner to determine how best to carry out his or her primary function of promoting and protecting children’s rights. The Commissioner is not an Ombudsman and, in general, cannot conduct investigations into the case of an individual child.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £120-130,000 per annum.
Closes: 18 September
– – – – – – – – – –
Innovate UK – Chair
“We are seeking an inspirational leader with extensive business experience, international standing and a proven track record to lead Innovate UK as its Executive Chair. The central priority of Innovate UK, under a new Executive Chair, will be to transition from a grant funding body to an agency focused on transforming the UK’s innovation capacity and capability, taking full advantage of its considerable growth in budget. The new Executive Chair will be expected to actively strengthen the organisation’s position within key markets, providing impactful thought leadership to the UK’s innovation system. As the pivotal funding body for business R&D, especially for start-ups and SMEs across the country, the Executive Chair will be expected to develop and implement system wide strategies for investment that promote the UK as a global leader in R&D and technologies of the future.”
Time: Full time, ‘other arrangements considered’.
Remuneration: £180,000 per annum base, up to £37,500 performance-related.
Closes: 28 September


conservativehome--2020-08-21--The rejection of Johnson’s York proposal shows the enduring power of Parliament

Boris Johnson ’ s plan to move Parliament to York has been kiboshed .
According to yesterday ’ s papers , the officials in charge of the parliamentary restoration have ruled it out on the basis that it has ‘ constitutional implications ‘ following interventions by both Speakers .
This is good news , and not just because moving the capital – which moving the seat of government amounts to – is a bad idea .
It also provides a helpful check to the slightly hysterical portrait of the Prime Minister as a proto-dictator .
Martin Kettle offered up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , when he accused Johnson and Dominic Cummings of ‘ silencing ’ Parliament .
Citing their failed effort to prorogue it in 2019 , he then cites a list of what he considers to be warning signs of the Government ’ s ‘ presidential ’ style .
Kettle is drawing on a deep well .
You might remember David Allen Green ’ s list of Theresa May ’ s ‘ constitutional outrages ’ , most of which were outrageous mainly because he did not like the result .
Or Andrew Rawnsley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis that parliamentary procedure appears “ bewildering and arcane ” to people who don ’ t normally pay any attention to it , as if that were not the case everywhere .
Even Anne Applebaum , in her recent book about the rejection of the liberal order by ungrateful electorates , describes Johnson ’ s decision to remove the whip from MPs who voted against the Government in a de facto matter of confidence as “ unprecedented ” , rather than the most natural thing in the world .
In Kettle ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson shows no great affection for the Commons .
But then neither did Tony Blair .
The increased distance between the Prime Minister and the legislature is a slowly-evolving feature of our constitution , not a Johnsonian innovation .
And it ’ s difficult to square the idea that the Government is deliberately keeping MPs away from Parliament with the fierce criticism it received just in May for trying to bring them back too quickly .
The extraordinary , high-octane parliamentary drama of the past few years have spoiled enthusiasts for politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ totemic defeats are not the normal means by which the Commons holds the Government to account .
In normal times – and a healthy governing majority is the British norm , in the long view – the influence is subtler .
But it is there .
We see it clearly displayed in the two Speakers shooting down the York proposals , and in the way angry Tory MPs forced a swift u-turn over A Level results .
The institutional and the political legislature , each flexing their muscles .
None of this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worthwhile reforms which could make Parliament more effective .
In fact , as I have set out previously , such changes will be vital if the Government is to have any long-term hope of taking back control from the courts , quangos , and other elements of the standing State .
But let ’ s not pretend that summoning MPs back to London so they can vie to record angry clips for their Facebook feeds is a useful benchmark for the influence of the Commons .

Boris Johnson’s plan to move Parliament to York has been kiboshed. According to yesterday’s papers, the officials in charge of the parliamentary restoration have ruled it out on the basis that it has ‘constitutional implications‘ following interventions by both Speakers.
This is good news, and not just because moving the capital – which moving the seat of government amounts to – is a bad idea. It also provides a helpful check to the slightly hysterical portrait of the Prime Minister as a proto-dictator.
Martin Kettle offered up an example of this in the Guardian earlier this week, when he accused Johnson and Dominic Cummings of ‘silencing’ Parliament. Citing their failed effort to prorogue it in 2019, he then cites a list of what he considers to be warning signs of the Government’s ‘presidential’ style.
Kettle is drawing on a deep well. You might remember David Allen Green’s list of Theresa May’s ‘constitutional outrages’, most of which were outrageous mainly because he did not like the result. Or Andrew Rawnsley calling for a codified constitution on the basis that parliamentary procedure appears “bewildering and arcane” to people who don’t normally pay any attention to it, as if that were not the case everywhere.
Even Anne Applebaum, in her recent book about the rejection of the liberal order by ungrateful electorates, describes Johnson’s decision to remove the whip from MPs who voted against the Government in a de facto matter of confidence as “unprecedented”, rather than the most natural thing in the world.
In Kettle’s case, it’s true that Johnson shows no great affection for the Commons. But then neither did Tony Blair. The increased distance between the Prime Minister and the legislature is a slowly-evolving feature of our constitution, not a Johnsonian innovation. And it’s difficult to square the idea that the Government is deliberately keeping MPs away from Parliament with the fierce criticism it received just in May for trying to bring them back too quickly.
The extraordinary, high-octane parliamentary drama of the past few years have spoiled enthusiasts for politics. Knife-edge votes, floor crossings, and totemic defeats are not the normal means by which the Commons holds the Government to account. In normal times – and a healthy governing majority is the British norm, in the long view – the influence is subtler.
But it is there. We see it clearly displayed in the two Speakers shooting down the York proposals, and in the way angry Tory MPs forced a swift u-turn over A Level results. The institutional and the political legislature, each flexing their muscles.
None of this is to say that there aren’t worthwhile reforms which could make Parliament more effective. In fact, as I have set out previously, such changes will be vital if the Government is to have any long-term hope of taking back control from the courts, quangos, and other elements of the standing State.
But let’s not pretend that summoning MPs back to London so they can vie to record angry clips for their Facebook feeds is a useful benchmark for the influence of the Commons.


conservativehome--2020-08-21--Iain Dale: How many Cabinet members would make your fantasy Cabinet? I count five. And it gets worse

Iain Dale: How many Cabinet members would make your fantasy Cabinet? I count five. And it gets worse…

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and the For the Many podcast with Jacqui Smith .
I don ’ t think it ’ s possible for anyone to defend what ’ s happened over the last week or ten days with exam results .
Clustershambles doesn ’ t really cover it .
And the trouble is that it has affected a huge number of people , not just the students and teachers concerned , but their parents and grandparents too .
Add them up , and we ’ re talking several million people , I imagine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip , it ’ s had cut-through .
The latest YouGov poll , out on Wednesday should a four point dip in the Tory ratings to 40 per cent .
While that is still a two point lead , it ’ s not difficult to imagine that next week Labour could be ahead for the first time in , well , many years .
Optimists might point out that we are three and a half years away from a general election and that time is a great healer .
Maybe , but once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetence it is very difficult to shake off .
It was reported by The Independent ( yes , it still exists online ) that Gavin Williamson offered his resignation on Monday , but that it was rejected by the Prime Minister .
Only they know the truth of this , but it certainly hasn ’ t been denied by the beleaguered Education Secretary .
If he did indeed do the honourable thing , all credit to him .
But surely if you resign , you , er , resign .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have said ( if he in fact did ) , well , you got us into this , you get us out , but in the end once a politician loses the confidence of his or her client groups , it ’ s very difficult to get things back on an even keel .
Your Cabinet colleagues look at you as a dead man walking .
Your enemies can ’ t wait until your inevitable denouement , and your “ friends ” melt away at the first whiff of grapeshot .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t have long to plan how to do it .
In Williamson ’ s case , he has until Christmas , given that I am led to understand that the reshuffle is now planned for January .
The trouble with this Cabinet is that it has a distinctly second-rate feel about it .
How many of them would make it into a Thatcher or Major cabinet .
Very few , I would venture to suggest .
I interviewed Alastair Campbell on Wednesday ( it will be on the Iain Dale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he reckoned that most of the current crew wouldn ’ t have even made it to Minister of State in Mrs T ’ s day .
Do it yourself .
Go through the whole cabinet , and think how many of them would make your own fantasy cabinet .
I just did so and came up with a total of five .
Lamentable .
But it gets worse .
Look down the list of Ministers of State – the ministers who would normally be next in line for the cabinet .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a dire state of affairs .
But it gets even worse .
Normally you have a range of former ministers who you could think about bringing back to add a bit of weight and gravitas .
Trouble is , most of them left Parliament at the last election .
Looking at the greybeards on the Tory benches with cabinet experience you have Iain Duncan Smith , David Davis , John Redwood , Maria Miller , Greg Clark , Stephen Crabb , Liam Fox , Cheryl Gillan , Chris Grayling , Damian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sajid Javid , Andrea Leadsom , Theresa May , Esther McVey , Andrew Mitchell , Owen Paterson and Theresa Villiers .
Now , how many of those could realistically be restored to cabinet status to bring something extra in terms of political weight , gravitas or character ?
I ’ ll leave that to your impeccable judgement .
So far this year , I haven ’ t taken any holiday at all .
However , next week I ’ m on holiday in Norfolk – apart from the fact that I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several podcasts and appearing on Any Questions .
I realised last week that I ’ ve lost the art of doing nothing .
If I ’ m watching TV , I ’ ve got my laptop open and I will be flicking through Twitter or something .
Next week , I ’ m going to try to do some reading , and I mean reading for pleasure – not reading something because I have to for my job .
Talking of which I have just done an hour-long interview for my Iain Dale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s just published a book of his collected columns .
What a truly fascinating man he is .
The podcast will be released on Friday 4 September .

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and the For the Many podcast with Jacqui Smith.
I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to defend what’s happened over the last week or ten days with exam results.
Clustershambles doesn’t really cover it. And the trouble is that it has affected a huge number of people, not just the students and teachers concerned, but their parents and grandparents too.
Add them up, and we’re talking several million people, I imagine. Like the Dominic Cummings’ Barnard Castle trip, it’s had cut-through.
The latest YouGov poll, out on Wednesday should a four point dip in the Tory ratings to 40 per cent. While that is still a two point lead, it’s not difficult to imagine that next week Labour could be ahead for the first time in, well, many years.
Optimists might point out that we are three and a half years away from a general election and that time is a great healer. Maybe, but once a Government gets a reputation for crass incompetence it is very difficult to shake off.
– – – – – – – – – –
It was reported by The Independent (yes, it still exists online) that Gavin Williamson offered his resignation on Monday, but that it was rejected by the Prime Minister. Only they know the truth of this, but it certainly hasn’t been denied by the beleaguered Education Secretary.
If he did indeed do the honourable thing, all credit to him. But surely if you resign, you, er, resign. It’s all very well for the Prime Minister to have said (if he in fact did), well, you got us into this, you get us out, but in the end once a politician loses the confidence of his or her client groups, it’s very difficult to get things back on an even keel.
Your Cabinet colleagues look at you as a dead man walking. Your enemies can’t wait until your inevitable denouement, and your “friends” melt away at the first whiff of grapeshot. If you’re going to survive, you don’t have long to plan how to do it. In Williamson’s case, he has until Christmas, given that I am led to understand that the reshuffle is now planned for January.
– – – – – – – – – –
The trouble with this Cabinet is that it has a distinctly second-rate feel about it. How many of them would make it into a Thatcher or Major cabinet. Very few, I would venture to suggest.
I interviewed Alastair Campbell on Wednesday (it will be on the Iain Dale All Talk podcast next Wednesday), and he reckoned that most of the current crew wouldn’t have even made it to Minister of State in Mrs T’s day.
Do it yourself. Go through the whole cabinet, and think how many of them would make your own fantasy cabinet. I just did so and came up with a total of five. Lamentable.
But it gets worse. Look down the list of Ministers of State – the ministers who would normally be next in line for the cabinet. I count five that are cabinet material. This is a dire state of affairs.
But it gets even worse. Normally you have a range of former ministers who you could think about bringing back to add a bit of weight and gravitas. Trouble is, most of them left Parliament at the last election. Looking at the greybeards on the Tory benches with cabinet experience you have Iain Duncan Smith, David Davis, John Redwood, Maria Miller, Greg Clark, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox, Cheryl Gillan, Chris Grayling, Damian Green, Mark Harper, Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Andrea Leadsom, Theresa May, Esther McVey, Andrew Mitchell, Owen Paterson and Theresa Villiers.
Now, how many of those could realistically be restored to cabinet status to bring something extra in terms of political weight, gravitas or character? I’ll leave that to your impeccable judgement.
– – – – – – – – – –
So far this year, I haven’t taken any holiday at all. However, next week I’m on holiday in Norfolk – apart from the fact that I’ll be writing this column, doing several podcasts and appearing on Any Questions.
I realised last week that I’ve lost the art of doing nothing. If I’m watching TV, I’ve got my laptop open and I will be flicking through Twitter or something.
Next week, I’m going to try to do some reading, and I mean reading for pleasure – not reading something because I have to for my job. Talking of which I have just done an hour-long interview for my Iain Dale Book Club podcast with Danny Finkelstein. He’s just published a book of his collected columns. What a truly fascinating man he is. The podcast will be released on Friday 4 September.


conservativehome--2020-08-21--James Palmer: Why I’m backing electric bikes as a safe and healthy way to travel in my region

James Palmer is the directly elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough .
This month , the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority became the first region in the country to roll out e-bikes and e-scooters to the public so people can enjoy quicker , healthier journeys as they return to work and school .
Electric bikes and scooters have the potential to revolutionise travel , making fast , clean , and inexpensive journeys possible , and help to ease congestion , reduce pollution , and allow for social distancing .
As an innovative organisation , focused on delivery , the Combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointing European e-scooter operator , Voi , on a 12-month trial basis .
Voi will provide e-bikes across the region and test out e-scooters in the centre of Cambridge where they will be assessed closely for safety and viability in the coming weeks , with e-bikes rolled out in October .
This move follows a recent announcement of £2.9 million , negotiated from central government , to improve cycle and pedestrian facilities across the region to get more people walking and cycling .
These measures are part of a vision for healthier and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-Covid .
Traditional modes of public transport have been hit hard by social distancing .
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough bus use is just over a third of what it was pre-Covid in Peterborough and only one-fifth of what it was in Cambridge .
Footfall at One Station Square in Cambridge has fallen from a peak of 18,000 people crossing in March before lockdown , to an average of below 2,000 since .
There are signs of people making more train journeys again , with a high of 8,000 footfalls recorded in August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some parts of the region , such as South Cambridgeshire , is as much as 24 per cent higher than pre-lock down levels and that is before many people have returned to the office and children to school .
It seems while the threat of Covid-19 remains , many people feel reluctant to make journeys by bus or train and so there needs to be a viable public transport option which allows for social distancing .
Without drastic action and investment in alternative modes of travel , congestion on the roads could reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are encouraged to return to the office , and children are expected to return to school .
Or , we could have a situation where people are discouraged from returning to public life , opting to remain at home .
Both scenarios could have disastrous consequences for our region .
Firstly , for our economy .
Recorded footfall in retail locations are down 41 per cent in Cambridge and 34 per cent in Huntingdon to the same point last year .
We simply must get people out and about again or our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffer .
And , for our environment .
Emissions from cars and emissions per capita are 50 per cent above the national average in Cambridgeshire .
On average , 106 deaths per year in the Greater Cambridge region alone can be attributed to air pollution .
During lockdown , carbon emissions dropped by 17 per cent , with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on track to record a 27 per cent decrease in carbon emissions this year .
But with public transport use down by two thirds , and car use going up , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet our target of eradicating carbon emissions by 2050 .
Electrically assisted bikes provide a safe and healthy alternative mode of travel to the private car , bus , or train , which enables the user to practice social distancing while also helping to reduce carbon emissions .
E-bikes are likely to be placed at rail stations throughout the region , as well as at Park and Ride sites , and potentially at stops along the guided bus way , so they can be relied upon by commuters for significant parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including students and visitors travelling into cities , towns , and other areas of interest and leisure .
It is thought that 60 per cent of current car journeys are only 1-2 miles in length and e-scooters and other modes of active travel could help significantly reduce unnecessary reliance on cars for these short journeys .
E-scooters will allow visitors , tourists , students , and commuters to make quick short journeys across town .
The initiative by the Combined Authority to provide e-bikes and e-scooters will aim to reduce by 400 tonnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 2021 .
Providing e-bikes and e-scooters will also help to prevent the spread of coronavirus by allowing people to make journeys while remaining socially distanced .
In addition , handlebars will be covered in Shieldex® Copper-Tape designed to kill 99.98 per cent of coronavirus on contact and all scooters are disinfected every 24 hours .
Along with a decrease in carbon emissions , due to a temporary drop in car use during lockdown , this year has also seen a 200 per cent increase in people using cycle to work schemes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitter lifestyles , the benefits to a fully integrated active network for our region are clear and our investment shows we are serious about making our vision for greener more sustainable travel , a reality .

James Palmer is the directly elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
This month, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority became the first region in the country to roll out e-bikes and e-scooters to the public so people can enjoy quicker, healthier journeys as they return to work and school.
Electric bikes and scooters have the potential to revolutionise travel, making fast, clean, and inexpensive journeys possible, and help to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and allow for social distancing.
As an innovative organisation, focused on delivery, the Combined Authority has brought forward this solution by appointing European e-scooter operator, Voi, on a 12-month trial basis. Voi will provide e-bikes across the region and test out e-scooters in the centre of Cambridge where they will be assessed closely for safety and viability in the coming weeks, with e-bikes rolled out in October.
This move follows a recent announcement of £2.9 million, negotiated from central government, to improve cycle and pedestrian facilities across the region to get more people walking and cycling.
These measures are part of a vision for healthier and more sustainable travel across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough post-Covid.
Traditional modes of public transport have been hit hard by social distancing.
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough bus use is just over a third of what it was pre-Covid in Peterborough and only one-fifth of what it was in Cambridge.
Footfall at One Station Square in Cambridge has fallen from a peak of 18,000 people crossing in March before lockdown, to an average of below 2,000 since. There are signs of people making more train journeys again, with a high of 8,000 footfalls recorded in August.
Meanwhile, average daily car use in some parts of the region, such as South Cambridgeshire, is as much as 24 per cent higher than pre-lock down levels and that is before many people have returned to the office and children to school.
It seems while the threat of Covid-19 remains, many people feel reluctant to make journeys by bus or train and so there needs to be a viable public transport option which allows for social distancing.
Without drastic action and investment in alternative modes of travel, congestion on the roads could reach a critical point very quickly as more people are encouraged to return to the office, and children are expected to return to school. Or, we could have a situation where people are discouraged from returning to public life, opting to remain at home. Both scenarios could have disastrous consequences for our region.
Firstly, for our economy. Recorded footfall in retail locations are down 41 per cent in Cambridge and 34 per cent in Huntingdon to the same point last year. We simply must get people out and about again or our local businesses, restaurants and highstreets will suffer.
And, for our environment. Emissions from cars and emissions per capita are 50 per cent above the national average in Cambridgeshire. On average, 106 deaths per year in the Greater Cambridge region alone can be attributed to air pollution.
During lockdown, carbon emissions dropped by 17 per cent, with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on track to record a 27 per cent decrease in carbon emissions this year. But with public transport use down by two thirds, and car use going up, we must reverse these trends if we are to meet our target of eradicating carbon emissions by 2050.
Electrically assisted bikes provide a safe and healthy alternative mode of travel to the private car, bus, or train, which enables the user to practice social distancing while also helping to reduce carbon emissions.
E-bikes are likely to be placed at rail stations throughout the region, as well as at Park and Ride sites, and potentially at stops along the guided bus way, so they can be relied upon by commuters for significant parts of their journey to work and by others including students and visitors travelling into cities, towns, and other areas of interest and leisure.
It is thought that 60 per cent of current car journeys are only 1-2 miles in length and e-scooters and other modes of active travel could help significantly reduce unnecessary reliance on cars for these short journeys. E-scooters will allow visitors, tourists, students, and commuters to make quick short journeys across town.
The initiative by the Combined Authority to provide e-bikes and e-scooters will aim to reduce by 400 tonnes of CO2 emissions across the region by August 2021.
Providing e-bikes and e-scooters will also help to prevent the spread of coronavirus by allowing people to make journeys while remaining socially distanced. In addition, handlebars will be covered in Shieldex® Copper-Tape designed to kill 99.98 per cent of coronavirus on contact and all scooters are disinfected every 24 hours.
Along with a decrease in carbon emissions, due to a temporary drop in car use during lockdown, this year has also seen a 200 per cent increase in people using cycle to work schemes. With people enjoying improved air quality and fitter lifestyles, the benefits to a fully integrated active network for our region are clear and our investment shows we are serious about making our vision for greener more sustainable travel, a reality.


conservativehome--2020-08-22--Polling snapshot: Starmer’s personal ratings aren’t translating into a Labour poll lead

A Conservative optimist would say there ’ s no evidence that the school and college results fiasco , which dominated the media for over a week , has cut through to voters – at least if one looks at the main parties ’ share of the vote .
That is the finding which we believe counts most : other measures , such as the relative standing of the main party leaders , matters less .
After all , it will do no good for Keir Starmer to be rated the better of the two party leaders if that advantage can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead for his party .
A Tory lead of six points or so has now scarcely moved for the best part of three months , since shortly before the mainstream emergence of Black Lives Matter .
A Conservative pessimist would answer that a party ’ s standing can be like a rotting floorboard , collapsing suddenly when not expected to .
According to YouGov , approval ratings for the Government are now at their lowest since the last election ( though higher than they were just before it ) .
And the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson when it asked respondents which of the two men would make a better Prime Minister .
This could point to Labour overtaking the Conservatives in the polls at some point before the year is out .
It would be astonishing were this not to happen at some point before 2024 .
All the same , Starmer ’ s party has at least two strategic problems .
The first of them is the inverse of Labour ’ s lead among young people .
As Sam Coates wrote of the recent YouGov poll showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how robust the Tory vote is amongst the over 65s – a 24 point lead over Labour.
” The second is that the Conservatives still lead Labour on competence , and are seen as less divided .
All Starmer ’ s horses and men are having difficulty putting the party together again : Jeremy Corbyn ’ s legacy lives on .
Or , worse for Labour , it has enduring structural problems with its vote – the consequence of the long alienation of its working class base over immigration , values and culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s too far from the next election for the polls to tell us anything .
Our view is that while they don ’ t tell us everything – far from it – they do tell us something .

Source: Politico’s poll of polls.
A Conservative optimist would say there’s no evidence that the school and college results fiasco, which dominated the media for over a week, has cut through to voters – at least if one looks at the main parties’ share of the vote.
That is the finding which we believe counts most: other measures, such as the relative standing of the main party leaders, matters less.
After all, it will do no good for Keir Starmer to be rated the better of the two party leaders if that advantage can’t be translated into a sustainable lead for his party.
A Tory lead of six points or so has now scarcely moved for the best part of three months, since shortly before the mainstream emergence of Black Lives Matter.
A Conservative pessimist would answer that a party’s standing can be like a rotting floorboard, collapsing suddenly when not expected to.
According to YouGov, approval ratings for the Government are now at their lowest since the last election (though higher than they were just before it).
And the same pollster recently found Starmer ahead of Boris Johnson when it asked respondents which of the two men would make a better Prime Minister.
This could point to Labour overtaking the Conservatives in the polls at some point before the year is out. It would be astonishing were this not to happen at some point before 2024.
All the same, Starmer’s party has at least two strategic problems. The first of them is the inverse of Labour’s lead among young people.
As Sam Coates wrote of the recent YouGov poll showing a two-point Conservative lead: “look how robust the Tory vote is amongst the over 65s – a 24 point lead over Labour.”
The second is that the Conservatives still lead Labour on competence, and are seen as less divided. All Starmer’s horses and men are having difficulty putting the party together again: Jeremy Corbyn’s legacy lives on.
Or, worse for Labour, it has enduring structural problems with its vote – the consequence of the long alienation of its working class base over immigration, values and culture.
Some will say that it’s too far from the next election for the polls to tell us anything. Our view is that while they don’t tell us everything – far from it – they do tell us something.


conservativehome--2020-08-23--Even Johnson’s opponents should regret the ruining of his holiday

It is fair to say that Boris Johnson has not been in receipt of universal sympathy for having had to cut short his family holiday to Scotland after the location was leaked to the press .
Beyond those spiteful souls who simply enjoy seeing misfortunes inflicted on the other side , there are plenty of commentators asking why the Prime Minister was on holiday at all .
Doesn ’ t he know there ’ s a crisis ?
The idea that Johnson ought to be personally helming the Government ’ s response to the A Levels fiasco ( although how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag ) fits into a broader critique of his alleged ‘ Chairman Boris ’ leadership style .
Such an attitude seems short-sighted .
Important although the Prime Minister undoubtedly is , the Government really ought to be able to tick over for a couple of weeks in his absence – especially if he remains on hand to make important political judgements , as he did when signing off on Gavin Williamson ’ s u-turn .
Moreover , if Johnson really is that essential then making sure he has the chance to get away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not less .
He is serving in an extremely responsible role at a time of national crisis , and much hinges on the judgement calls only he can make .
Trapping the Prime Minister in Westminster and burning him out is not likely conducive to getting his best work in the long term .
It also sends a toxic message downstream into political culture .
If we don ’ t allow politicians space to holiday in peace , what can already be a fairly trying job becomes just that bit more unsustainable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for only a couple of terms before seeking gentler pastures elsewhere .
Considering the concerns over a weak Cabinet and inexperienced whips ’ office , is that really a trend we wish to exacerbate ?
Johnson deserves a holiday .
On a human level , he ’ s a new father who has only recently fought off a life-threatening illness .
On the institutional level , his treatment sets the tone for much of British politics .
Love him or loathe him , give him a break .

It is fair to say that Boris Johnson has not been in receipt of universal sympathy for having had to cut short his family holiday to Scotland after the location was leaked to the press.
Beyond those spiteful souls who simply enjoy seeing misfortunes inflicted on the other side, there are plenty of commentators asking why the Prime Minister was on holiday at all. Doesn’t he know there’s a crisis?
The idea that Johnson ought to be personally helming the Government’s response to the A Levels fiasco (although how hard is it to raise a white flag) fits into a broader critique of his alleged ‘Chairman Boris’ leadership style.
Such an attitude seems short-sighted. Important although the Prime Minister undoubtedly is, the Government really ought to be able to tick over for a couple of weeks in his absence – especially if he remains on hand to make important political judgements, as he did when signing off on Gavin Williamson’s u-turn.
Moreover, if Johnson really is that essential then making sure he has the chance to get away for a bit becomes more important, not less. He is serving in an extremely responsible role at a time of national crisis, and much hinges on the judgement calls only he can make. Trapping the Prime Minister in Westminster and burning him out is not likely conducive to getting his best work in the long term.
It also sends a toxic message downstream into political culture. If we don’t allow politicians space to holiday in peace, what can already be a fairly trying job becomes just that bit more unsustainable. Expect more people to sit in Parliament for only a couple of terms before seeking gentler pastures elsewhere. Considering the concerns over a weak Cabinet and inexperienced whips’ office, is that really a trend we wish to exacerbate?
Johnson deserves a holiday. On a human level, he’s a new father who has only recently fought off a life-threatening illness. On the institutional level, his treatment sets the tone for much of British politics. Love him or loathe him, give him a break.