Official figures released yesterday confirmed that the UK economy began to collapse in March, shrinking as much in a single month as it did throughout the recession of 2008-2009.
More than half of all adults are paid by the state and the furlough scheme has been extended until October.
The Prime Minister has announced a three-stage plan to begin lifting the lockdown, but concerns have been raised that the government is moving the goalposts.
Should we end the lockdown because its justification – to prevent NHS services from being overwhelmed – has been achieved? Or would easing off now risk giving away these gains, forcing us back into our homes again? There are hidden benefits to lockdown – such as a decrease in pollution or fewer deaths from car accidents – but have these not been far exceeded by the costs to the economy and our civil liberties?
How can the UK economy bounce back from this crisis?
IEA Director General Mark Littlewood will be joined by other think tank experts and commentators for a thought-provoking, interactive discussion.
PANELLISTS
John Ashmore, Editor, CapX
Robert Colvile, Director, Centre for Policy Studies
Rachel Cunliffe, Comment & Features Editor, City AM
Dr Stephen Davies, Head of Education, Institute of Economic Affairs
Dominic Frisby, Financial Writer & Comedian
Madeline Grant, Assistant Comment Editor, Telegraph
Matthew Lesh, Head of Research, Adam Smith Institute
Mark Littlewood, Director General, Institute of Economic Affairs
Toby Young, General Secretary, Free Speech Union
DETAILS
Date: TONIGHT, Thursday, 14th May 2020
Time: 6:00pm onwards
The live stream will begin at 6.00pm on our YouTube Channel and will conclude at approximately 7.30pm. Audience participation welcome!
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