The UK is facing one of the toughest times in its history. And since last Sunday it has been doing so without its Prime Minister, admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital St Thomas of London due to the coronavirus. Boris Johnson tried for days to remain in the saddle, isolated in a room in Downing Street from where he coordinated the actions of his government engaged in the fight against Covid-19. However, his worsening health forced him to surrender, leaving the country in a momentary power vacuum not seen since the days of Winston Churchill.
Since the United Kingdom does not have a real Constitution, to understand who, pending the recovery of the Premier, should take the lead of the nation - and above all with what powers - the "Cabinet Manual" was used, according to which the role of deputy prime minister belongs to the First Secretary of State. In command is therefore Dominic Raab, First Secretary of State since last March 22, Foreign Minister and hard-core brexiter.
Without a premier in the fullness of his functions, Raab can take his place "where necessary", states the Cabinet Manuel. Which means that it is up to him to preside over the meetings of Cobra, the anti-coronavirus emergency committee, every morning, and try to slow the spread of the pandemic.
THE CORONAVIRUS IN THE UK
The UK is still in the midst of the emergency. Infections continue to rise at a dizzying rate, as do the number of deaths. The peak seems to be still far away and according to estimates it will still be necessary to wait 1-2 weeks to see the effects of the restrictions imposed on 23 March.
After the initial hesitations and the criticized press conference on herd immunity, the British Government has in fact radically changed course, imposing measures similar to those tested in Italy: schools, places of worship, libraries and shops closed, except for those that perform essential services, obligation to stay at home and avoid gatherings, smart working for everyone except in extreme and necessary cases. A total lockdown also valid there until Monday 13 April. And then? The extension of the containment measures is taken for granted, with the official announcement expected for Sunday or Monday, in the hope that in the meantime Johnson's conditions will improve and that the Premier will be able to give at least a verbal assent. A further tightening of the restrictions is also possible, an option which however is still under discussion, even if some ministers would be in favor of at least evaluating the reopening of schools after Easter.
WHAT HAPPENED TO BREXIT
In the global chaos created by the pandemic, Brexit faded into the background, at least for the newspapers. However, the issue is far from resolved and negotiations to find a trade agreement and to define future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union continue via video conference. However, time is less and less: by June 30, London will have to decide whether to ask to extend the transition period ongoing beyond December 31st. In fact, if there was just enough time before, the coronavirus has further restricted the margin (and timing) of action for negotiators. However, Johnson has repeatedly ruled out any further postponement and even if Raab should take care of the next moves, the hard line seems to be assured.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced that the next week the chief negotiators Michel Barnier (also suffering from the coronavirus, but in good health) and David Frost will talk to define a work schedule. The road, according to most analysts, is all uphill. The gap between the parties is still too wide and the possibility that a hard Brexit will be encountered at the end of the year is becoming more realistic day by day.
At this juncture, however, there is a curiosity to highlight. Although Brexit took effect on January 31st and the transition period began, “legally the UK is still a member of the Union to all intents and purposes”, underlines Justin Frosini, associate professor of comparative public law at the Bocconi University in Milan. As a result of this"the Commission has set up a huge aid plan for British companies which consist of direct grants, state loan guarantees, public loans and export aid. Luckily for the British citizens”, concludes Frosini, “even for the supporters of leaving the EU”.
At this point a question arises: isn't it that given the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus, extending the transition period and taking some of the benefits intended for members of the Union does not become an attractive option for Downing Street?
