The complete suspension of the normal pattern of life in the UK continued for another month in parallel with the national vaccination programme. The number of new COVID cases reduced by two-thirds during February (from 350 to 128 cases per day per million people). By the end of the month, more than 20 million people had received a first dose of the vaccine, therefore achieving targets established in December. There was concern, however, that a ‘considerable number’ of care home workers had apparently declined the vaccine. The Government said it would review the case for introducing a vaccination ‘passport’.
On 22nd February, the Government announced its ‘roadmap for recovery’, based around the gradual easing of restrictions over the next four months. Although the Prime Minister stressed that progress would be measured by data rather than dates, reaction to the announcement focused on milestones which conclude with all restrictions being lifted on 21st June. The framework offers further opportunity for argument over detail (drinking a cup of coffee on a park bench might be legalised from 8 March) without addressing the true challenges of a comprehensive virus response and recovery strategy. Schools ‘might’ start opening from 8 March.
Early in the month, the UK and the EU engaged in an unfortunate spat over the supply of the Astra-Zenica vaccine. Without informing Ireland, the European Commission involved Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol to control the import of vaccines. The measure was revoked within 24 hours following condemnation from Westminster and Dublin. Sadly, Germany and France then continued to cast aspersions on the efficacy of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine for the over-65s. The Government announced the appointment of Lord Frost, former BREXIT negotiator, to the Cabinet with responsibility for relations with the EU.
There was apparent surprise at the ability of the COVID virus to mutate and particular concern over variants traced to South Africa and Brazil. Measures were therefore introduced in February to compel travellers to be isolated in selected hotels (at their own expense) for ten days following arrival in the UK from an initial list of 33 countries. The penalty for avoiding this measure was set at ten years’ imprisonment (under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981). This legislation was introduced without parliamentary scrutiny through a statutory instrument under the Public Health Act 1984.
Unemployment rose to 5.1%. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson proposed a ‘Free-Speech Champion’ for universities and the HS2 phase from the West Midlands to Crewe was approved.
The Duke of Edinburgh spent much of February in hospital. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex announced that she was the subject of an extensive interview by Oprah Winfrey.
With the Spring Budget on the horizon, Rishi Sunak has given indication that tax rises are on the cards, attributing this to the ‘enormous’ impact Covid has had on the economy. There are doubts as to whether this will have a positive overall effect on the British economy in the post-Brexit post-COVID climate.
February has seen a state of emergency declared in Myanmar following a coup. US President Joe Biden threatened to re-impose sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders. China vetoed a United Nations Security Council state formally condemning the coup. Elsewhere, the US government indicated its willingness to re-engage in discussions with Iran over its nuclear programme; Iran declined the offer without the removal of sanctions intensified by the Trump regime.
On 22nd February, the Government announced its ‘roadmap for recovery’, based around the gradual easing of restrictions over the next four months. Although the Prime Minister stressed that progress would be measured by data rather than dates, reaction to the announcement focused on milestones which conclude with all restrictions being lifted on 21st June. The framework offers further opportunity for argument over detail (drinking a cup of coffee on a park bench might be legalised from 8 March) without addressing the true challenges of a comprehensive virus response and recovery strategy. Schools ‘might’ start opening from 8 March.
Early in the month, the UK and the EU engaged in an unfortunate spat over the supply of the Astra-Zenica vaccine. Without informing Ireland, the European Commission involved Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol to control the import of vaccines. The measure was revoked within 24 hours following condemnation from Westminster and Dublin. Sadly, Germany and France then continued to cast aspersions on the efficacy of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine for the over-65s. The Government announced the appointment of Lord Frost, former BREXIT negotiator, to the Cabinet with responsibility for relations with the EU.
There was apparent surprise at the ability of the COVID virus to mutate and particular concern over variants traced to South Africa and Brazil. Measures were therefore introduced in February to compel travellers to be isolated in selected hotels (at their own expense) for ten days following arrival in the UK from an initial list of 33 countries. The penalty for avoiding this measure was set at ten years’ imprisonment (under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981). This legislation was introduced without parliamentary scrutiny through a statutory instrument under the Public Health Act 1984.
Unemployment rose to 5.1%. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson proposed a ‘Free-Speech Champion’ for universities and the HS2 phase from the West Midlands to Crewe was approved.
The Duke of Edinburgh spent much of February in hospital. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex announced that she was the subject of an extensive interview by Oprah Winfrey.
With the Spring Budget on the horizon, Rishi Sunak has given indication that tax rises are on the cards, attributing this to the ‘enormous’ impact Covid has had on the economy. There are doubts as to whether this will have a positive overall effect on the British economy in the post-Brexit post-COVID climate.
February has seen a state of emergency declared in Myanmar following a coup. US President Joe Biden threatened to re-impose sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders. China vetoed a United Nations Security Council state formally condemning the coup. Elsewhere, the US government indicated its willingness to re-engage in discussions with Iran over its nuclear programme; Iran declined the offer without the removal of sanctions intensified by the Trump regime.
AUTHOR
Clemmie Taylor Smith, Researcher, The Decision Problem
Clemmie Taylor Smith, Researcher, The Decision Problem
