So everyone is commending the @TomMcTague and @arisroussinos pieces on the failures of the British state. As usual they make some persuasive points. At the same time the British state has done well in some areas, which which complicates the narrative.

First, testing. The U.K. has consistently tested more than any large country. In the latest rolling 7 day period, the U.K. tested 3x per capita more than Germany. In Europe, only Denmark and Luxembourg do more.

Second, vaccine procurement. We appointed Kate Bingham, a healthcare venture capitalist, who was able to procured a large, diversified amount of vaccines. It was a good decision to appoint her, and she did good work.Something that not all countries were able to do.

Third, vaccine deployment, where the U.K. approved the vaccine first, and has delivered the highest number of vaccines per capita of any large country.

What is the right lesson of Covid-19 for the British state after looking at *both* sides of the ledger?

I’m still thinking about it. But I’m not sure the “neoliberalism destroyed U.K. state capacity” boxing glove fits the whole fist.

And I forgot sequencing!

Fourth, the UK sequences 5–10% of all positive COVID tests. In the United States, the figure is only 0.3%, and there is no national screening program.

Ofc, the right comp for state capacity is north Europe and east asia, not the US. So keen for data.

And I forgot universal credit!

This is very much the dog that did not bark given gloomy pre-covid analysis on UC.

“Despite this surge its systems are generally performing well. Over 90 per cent of payments due were paid in full and on time....” https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/this-time-is-different-universal-credits-first-recession/

“...and the vast majority of advance payments are paid with 72 hours. In our survey, 74 per cent of new UC claimants reported they were satisfied with the way DWP handled their claim.”