Lessons from COVID-19: UK experience

The chapter considers some key aspects of the UK policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic over the three years starting January 2020. It briefly outlines the slowness and variations in policy responses over lockdowns and other health measures. Indications are given of the seriousness of the health and economic consequences. The nature and scale of fiscal and monetary policy measures are indicated. Policy responses involving test and trace, equipment purchasing decisions and employment support programmes are examined for their effectiveness, and for the relationships between public and private sectors. The unequal and differential effects of COVID-19 on people are considered.