Meanwhile, the Johnson government’s descent into whip-crack law enforcement continues apace. The furlough is on its way out, along with the weekly £20 increase in universal credit. If you want a vivid illustration of flailing authoritarianism and its acceptance, take a look at Australia. There, the government’s lamentable record on vaccination has fused with an emphasis on insanely harsh restrictions. The politics of crackdowns thrive when millions are encouraged to feel besieged and imperilled, a condition that looks set to endure.

Source: The Guardian August 01, 2021 13:10 UTC