The government talks of unity but its handling of coronavirus is further dividing the country
A month ago, the prime minister urged the nation to show “the spirit of togetherness” to defeat Covid-19, while rejecting the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies’ recommendation of a two-week countrywide lockdown. Since then, his government has continued its divide-and-rule approach. It has not only tightened regional restrictions, but pitched compliant areas (such as Liverpool) against less cooperative ones (Greater Manchester). Despite the cross-party opposition there to a further tightening, it singles out the mayor, Andy Burnham, for blame.
Now it is bullying its way out of the stand-off. On Tuesday, in the manner of a mafia don, Boris Johnson lamented the rejection of a “generous offer” and insisted that “We don’t want to do this in the way that we’ve had to,” as he imposed tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester – while the region’s politicians were initially told that proffered support would be taken away. At his press conference, Mr Johnson dodged the question of whether the £60m previously offered had been snatched away. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said it was still on the table, subject to discussion.
