Why the Lockdown Easing Approach in England Differs from the Rest of the UK
There has been much discussion and debate regarding the different approaches to easing lockdown measures across the United Kingdom. The question, however, should be: Why are the rest of the UK using a different coronavirus lockdown-easing approach compared to England?
Devolving Pandemic Policies
The devolved powers of the United Kingdom allow regional governments to make decisions based on the unique needs and circumstances of their respective populations. These decisions reflect the varying health policies and considerations for each part of the country.
England, with a population of 53 million, suffers from the highest population density at approximately one person per 2,330 square meters. The densely populated areas face more significant challenges in implementing and adhering to social distancing measures. Contrastingly, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have smaller populations; with 5.3 million, 3 million, and 1.8 million people, respectively, their population densities are much lower (1 person per 15,100 square meters, 1 person per 6,700 square meters, and 1 person per 7,790 cubic meters).
Political and Financial Considerations
The differing approaches can also be attributed to political and financial considerations. In England, the easing of lockdown measures is in line with the advice from the UK government, reflecting the nation's broader economic and societal needs. The densely populated nature of England requires stricter and more phased approaches to reopening, given the higher risk of transmission in more crowded areas.
The populations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are more spread out, which allows for a different consideration in their lockdown easing policies. The population density of these regions is significantly lower, enabling more lenient measures in some cases without the same level of risk.
The Dilemma of Adoption
Despite the clear rationale for different approaches, the other parts of the UK have not adopted the UK Prime Minister's approach. One possible explanation for this could be political stubbornness. Another reason might be the reliance on the furlough scheme, funded by UK finances rather than the individual countries' reserves. This lack of financial accountability to their own parliaments (Holyrood and the Welsh Assembly) could be a factor in these regions' hesitance to align with the UK government's recommendations.
Concluding Thoughts
The differences in lockdown easing approaches across the UK can be attributed to a combination of political, financial, and demographic factors. While England faces unique challenges due to its higher population density, the other parts of the UK have smaller populations and different considerations. The way forward may require a more collaborative approach, ensuring that the diverse needs of each region are fully understood and addressed.