07/10/2020
The UK government is being challenged about their approach to regionalised lockdowns and restrictions, with allegations that decisions about where such measures should be implemented are more about the affluence of the area than the actual infection rates. The implication of some news stories, was that the Conservatives were 'rewarding' areas that had voted for them in the 2019 General Election.
And, at the same time, the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has announced significant new restrictions that will apply in Scotland. Not for the first time, Sturgeon appears to be demonstrating far greater leadership than the UK Prime Minister.
So, does having a Conservative MP mean constituents can expect favourable treatment?
I have to say that this doesn't appear to be the case. I can't say that I've checked every constituency and analysed the situation, but from what I've seen there was insufficient evidence to support allegations hat decisions were being made based upon how votes were cast last December. At this stage, I have insufficient information to be able to judge whether the affluence of an area has any meaningful impact upon the decisions made and cannot begin to assess whether such things have been used to unfairly target poor communities.
What we can say without fear of sensible challenge, is that the less affluent areas are least able to cope with the impact of such restrictions.
So, I'm going to return to the key driver behind this post; the very clear disconnect between the approaches adopted by the UK government for the people of England, and those of the devolved administrations.
It seems to me that the decisions made outside of Westminster have been taken with far greater care and thought than those taken by our national government.
So, Nicola Sturgeon's announcement today means that pubs and restaurants across central Scotland, which includes the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, will have to close from Friday evening. Cafes that do not have an alcohol licence can stay open during the day, but must close at 6:00 p.m. In other parts of Scotland, pubs and restaurants are permitted to open, but will only be able to serve alcohol outdoors.
Additionally, in Scotland, it is not permitted to meet people from any other households in your home or another person’s home socially, unless they are in your extended household.
Compare this to England and the difference is significant.
To me, it seems that Nicola Sturgeon is considering the actual risks; taking the guidance from scientists and medical professions, and making decisions that are focussed upon the safety of citizens. This isn't a popularity contest and it seems to me that the residents of Downing Street should wake up and realise this.
Comments made by the leaders of the devolved governments indicate a lack of engagement by the UK government with the leaders of the devolved powers. This, in my opinion, indicates a total failure - on the part of the Prime Minister - to meet his responsibilities.
Given his ongoing and repeated failures, and what appears to be his refusal to accept responsibility for the failures under his leadership, he would be best advised to admit that he is not best equipped to steer the nation through these difficult times and to enable a cross party coalition to take on the cabinet responsibilities.
I'm not suggesting a further election and am not suggesting any MPs should lose their seats. They were elected in December 2019 and should retain their responsibilities to their constituents. This means that the Conservative Party will still maintain its ability to influence the outcome of debates and votes in the House of Commons.
However, at least a new bi-partisan cabinet, with members chosen for their individual skills and experience, would ensure greater opportunity for sensible and well-judged arguments. This doesn't seem possible whilst the appointment of people to cabinet posts is based upon Johnson's view as to how easy those people can be convinced to do his bidding, rather than what they can do to help the people of the United Kingdom.
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