M
embers of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) don’t think ministers are doing enough to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Yet many in Conservative Party circles feel that the new restrictions imposed in recent days go too far, and claim they will excessively damage the UK economy. They complain that the advice from scientists is not being appropriately balanced with advice from economists and people in business.
This seems to reflect a tension within the cabinet too, with the chancellor reportedly playing a leading role in rejecting the proposal from Sage for a national “circuit breaker” lockdown three weeks ago on the grounds of its harmful impact on the economy.