Love in the Time of Corona

I'm writing, following the current developments of the coronavirus as all journalists do, and here in Bristol a major concern is the lack of government's support for freelancers, artists and above all the most vulnerable.

It seems obvious that Boris Johnson's government doesn't impose closure on purpose, to avoid taking the responsibility. Then the British Prime Minister claims the UK's economy is robust and won't be affected!  

A local MP, Thangam Debbonaire, wrote about it on Twitter:

"Without a ban, pubs, theatres, concert halls, clubs etc. - huge part of economy & jobs of my constituency - can't claim insurance and are at risk. Just telling people not to go doesn't help. I've written to Chancellor and Sec. of State for Business to ask them to sort this. The musicians, technicians, bar staff, door staff, cooks, waiting staff and more people whose jobs depend on these industries are all at risk and as they are often self-employed or on zero hours they may struggle quickly." 

In comparison, in France, where I spent years, President Macron announced reinforced confinement, so that people don't have to go to work, and the suspension of payments of rents and energy bills. 

The French government is supporting workers and encouraging people to put their health first. It's obviously very different in Johnson's Britain.

But we face an unprecedented crisis! 

Hopefully, this crisis will change politics and our economic models for good.

As Naomi Klein wrote, for now, we face another "disaster" crisis but we are also given tools to build up new plans.

For Emmanuel Macron, this crisis comes at the most inconvenient time... He's ignored the "gilets jaunes" for months, defied the strikers again his pension reform and forced a government's vote despite the parliament. But he is not stopped in his neoliberal reform movement by an invisible virus.

Yet, British people are facing way worse. 

Could anyone come up with more plans?

I'm in touch (in person but also electronically) with a lot of musicians, doctors, and workers in vulnerable positions, on both side of the Channel, worrying about this and trying to find answers.

One of the necessary, vital ideas might simply be to reconsider Brexit. If ever a vaccine comes from the EU, firstly. But also, if we need to import more necessary goods.

Another urgent need might be to simply tackle the dramatic issue of tax avoidance that makes this country's public services unmanageable in a time of crisis. 

If you have a contribution to make, please follow up, comment or contact me.

Stay strong and take care of each other.