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The UK Government is incompetent on travel restrictions, a #thread laying out arguments why.
"When you get a chance to lead, lead."
That's always been the simplest and best advice for leaders, and in countries like New Zealand, leaders made hard choices 11-12 months ago. (1)
"When you get a chance to lead, lead."
That's always been the simplest and best advice for leaders, and in countries like New Zealand, leaders made hard choices 11-12 months ago. (1)
Pursuit of entire eradication of a virus required decisive action to close borders. Some countries did with great success. But in the UK the barn door was left open for 12 months without any meaningful action. This was probably bad, even though travel industry would've hurt (2).
But 12 months on, when all variants are already everywhere, and testing capabilities are remarkably improved, the UK is engaged in theatre, for future election purposes. They'll have the soundbites they need to "say" they "did the things" Australia, NZ etc did well. (3).
Clowns like Matt Hancock or Grant Shapps will say "we did the things", and those who really paid attention will say "12 months too late", but many who haven't followed closely won't know, and will bite on the soundbite. It's populist BS, without substance or merit (4).
The point is: death rates are plummeting now, most at risk are rapidly being vaccinated and the world is now looking to OPEN and RECOVER - safely. Testing and better treatment make that EASIER now, combined with vaccines and other efforts (5).
So the problem is that while the REST of the world begins to recover their economies, livelihoods and safely resume necessary movement, the UK is now playing dress up, borrowing guts and strength from the Jacinda Arden of 12 months ago, to make it look like they got it right (6).
The UK will now lag other countries which will shortly relax border policies for vaccinated travelers, and those who engage in testing programs to replace quarantine. UK airlines will struggle, UK businesses will struggle and people will watch and wait until the next 180°. (7).
Leadership is about hard choices in a timely manner, not cheap headlines designed to soothe the xenophobic fears of morons, 12 months too late. Keep a perspective on what this is, what this isn't and where it's going. Look at what other countries are doing and why. (8).
I've had direct family members impacted, I have reasonable fear and I never want travel to have a negative impact - but quite often rushed actions which haven't been flushed out have more negative consequence than positives. Don't let theatre replace science in recovery. Fin (9).
