The London Borough of Bromley, which I am proud to represent, is a case in point – because cases remain relatively low.
From curfews to alcohol bans, leaders across the continent are increasingly unified in their choice of measures.
The country has been used to debate the merits of a more hawkish approach. But it has become cautious in recent times.
It is one example of a policy which sounds sensible in theory, but is having some adverse practical effects.
Johnson is being squeezed between dissenting local authorities, an increasingly divided Cabinet – and fundamental problems with test and trace.
The Government’s tendency to take more responsibility, rather than devolving it to local networks, is at the root of many of the scheme’s problems.
If he is to take the necessary steps to get a Brexit deal (and I hope he does), he is going to have to defy those instincts on a second issue, too.
The Government’s cost-benefit analysis showed that the impacts of the lockdown were greater than those of the direct Covid-19 deaths.
The Chancellor has refused to extend his furlough scheme. Could a German-style system be what comes next?
More tests, quick tracing, quarantine and mini-shutdowns if necessary (not the closure of whole cities and metropolitan areas) are the best-in-class solution.
Look, too, at the track record of EU Member States. In 2020, Germany’s highest court ruled on subordinating EU law to German law. The EU took no action.
Free Schools spotted a gap in the market and provided a solution to fill it. This initiative has the potential to do the same.
The Chancellor has ruled out extending furlough. Perhaps German and French schemes will provide his next source of inspiration.
It’s critical for it to consult with consumers and industry experts before making big decisions.
The UK has never had such an independent institution despite the model being a tremendous success in other countries around the world.