The Reader: Stay home or Stay alert: who is on message?

Boris Johnson's new 'stay alert' slogan
PA
11 May 2020
WEST END FINAL

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As the Government ditches its “Stay home, save lives” advice, replacing it with green banners declaring “Stay alert”, I say: no — we should all be staying at home, not merely “staying alert”. Britain is fast approaching being the third worst nation for Covid-19 deaths per head: why is the Government softening its rules? Its confused and conflicted messaging stuns me. Ignore the Government — it evidently isn’t interested in a second wave of infections — and stay at home to save lives.
Sebastian Monblat

This next stage is all about trusting the people of England to act responsibly, to continue social distancing and stay alert and cautious at all times. The PM is trusting the people, not using lowest-common-denominator management and treating everyone like social idiots when more than 99 per cent have and will continue to act responsibly.
Simon Icke

Editor's reply

Dear Sebastian and Simon

It seems odd that those who complained most that this Government was obsessed with campaigning rather than governing, now complain it hasn’t come up with a snappy enough slogan or simple message. Easing out of lockdown is more complex and nuanced than entering one. The Government could do better at avoiding conflicting messages from ministers. But the truth is: the country can’t stay at home for months or even years waiting for a vaccine, but any relaxation before a vaccine involves an element of risk. I think the public understand that, and will interpret the new rules sensibly. Trust the people.
George Osborne, Editor

Listen to The Leader: Coronavirus Daily podcast

Heathrow future

The public have a right to the following from Heathrow: immediate dropping of expansion plans, talks about improving pollution, and a reappraisal of the decision to move work from Gatwick. Heathrow should be “Better” rather than “Bigger”.
Reverend Andrew McLuskey

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