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Pulling together

For the first time since WW2, we are reminded of how facing a major crisis we must pull together as a society.

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed how fragile our social infrastructure has become after a decade of austerity.  Whilst not making the response to COVID-19 party political, the Tory government must acknowledge the need to invest in our communities, in social care, and other key services.  These are just as vital to our economic well-being as any factory.

But this requires the government to ensure there is support for our key services.  We must never again allow our social support system to become so fragile.



Just as bridges and roads, rail-links and ports are vital to our economy, so also is the fabric of our health and care system.  The government must once again start investing in people and communities.

Much will be done by volunteer support groups, and that is a wonderful thing.  Indeed, we must all consider what it is we are doing for our loved ones, our friends and neighbours.  We are in this together.

Almost all sectors are the economy is likely to take a hit, with the risk of unemployment as people are laid off.  They must not become another statistic to be filed away in the Office for National Statistics. People need support as well as businesses to see them through this crisis.

After what appeared to be a faltering start, the government appears to be more open and responsive to the changes necessary, although watching the Health Minister on BBC's Newsnight she gave little assurance that the government were responding to the needs of health care workers.

The government also needs to sharpen up its messaging.  It is good to see that this is now happening.  Too many were left wondering exactly what the government's intentions were.






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