The British Constitution is steeped in ancient history, and unusual customs. One of these traditions allows the British Prime Minister to also be Prime Minister of the sovereign country England. The other three constituent countries have devolved, semi-independent powers. This allows conflicting policies, and partly explains why England faces buffeting COVID-19 storms, while for the other three it is relatively plain sailing.
A Brave English Attempt to Expedite a Return to Normal
England announced an almost complete retraction of COVID-19 restrictions in July, 2021. The other three countries, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland decided to keep the pressure on. However, England’s policy to mass vaccinate, boost, and then ‘begin to learn to live with the virus’ as the Prime Minister put it, does not appear to be as successful against the Delta variant.
England, with a population of 57 million had more new COVID cases on Monday October 18, 2021 than France, Germany, Italy, and Spain combined. The latter countries have populations of 67, 85, 60, and 46 million respectively. CNN reported two days later UK hospitals were once again ‘close to buckling under the strain of new admissions’.
A ‘Plan B’ as England Faces Buffeting COVID-19 Storms
Sky News published an explainer article the same day. According to this, the Health Secretary laid out the options earlier in September. These choices are:
PLAN A: Vaccinate as many people as possible, roll out boosters and keep society open.
PLAN B: Reintroduce some restrictions, in order to allow the health system to cope.
The latter appears to be becoming increasingly more likely, at least in the short term. However, SKY News suggests Conservative back benchers may resist it. As the Health Secretary put it to the House of Commons parliament, ‘Although [Plan B] is not an outcome anyone wants, we have to be ready just in case’. Which may be around the corner as England continues to face buffeting COVID-19 storms while winter approaches.
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