Coronavirus diary, Tuesday 30 June

Leicester: the first local lockdown. Photo: Sky News

I was beginning to feel sorry  for the government. The coronavirus pandemic has created enormous problems for them. 

It has called for clear thought, effective organisation, decisive action and keeping the people informed and reassured. 
But after three months their shortcomings are becoming more obvious by the day.

Every crisis becomes a drama. Every new problem creates uncertainty and, at times, panic. 

Getting schools functioning again is incredibly difficult but the way it has been handled has antagonised nearly everyone.
The travel quarantine plan, ridiculous from the start but stubbornly adhered to, seemed to have been solved by the air bridge system  - and was shaping up to be a rare success.That has gone wrong.

And now the Leicester local lockdown has again exposed the government's poor reaction and delayed action.

A serious worry  is that the almost constant criticism is not just politically motivated - the opposition seizing its chance to chip away the public trust but widespread condemnation, even by the right wing press. 

Even more damning is the latest analysis by the BBC that in all respects Britain's handling of coronavirus is the worst of almost all the countries, with the feeling it is down to the government.

One simple point about the Leicester affair.

The Mayor, a significant figure and not a politician, has complained of the lack of consultation, information and slowness of action.

As usual, the Health Secretary seems at a loss to explain or  excuse any delay.

It occurred to me this would never have arisen if there had been prompt contact and joint discussion with the Mayor and the city's health officials who know their area and people.
Would it be have been unreasonable for Mr Hancock to have taken a few hours to helicopter up to Leicester for this get together? 

At least it would would have shown a willingness to listen to local opinion  and needs and would have stifled criticism of being remote. 

The government's approach indicates incompetence and arrogance. They give the impression that they know best, that they have the answers and that their approach must be accepted. Their record says otherwise.

They have been helped over these difficult months by the  public accepting the magnitude of the task but, as can be seen in so many ways, that confidence and trust is fading.

The prime minister and his faltering team need to change, and change fast.

Instead, he is now shifting his and our attention away from the still hazardous pandemic to what he claims will be bright days ahead. 

On refection, I don't think his government deserves the benefit of the doubt arising from the handling of coronavirus.