Reflecting on a year since the UK's first lockdown, The D Group welcomed Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, Bridget Philipson MP. Bridget, who works at the forefront of Labour’s economic strategy, criticised HMG's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the overall lack of preparedness evidenced by the government’s mishandling of the purchasing of PPE equipment. Similarly, Bridget questioned HMG's political choices in relation to the Chancellor's job retention scheme which, she believed, was implemented for ease of administration rather than as a result of careful planning. To Bridget, this reflected a wider trend in poor government spending strategy based on ideological choices, characterised primarily through performative spending. Ending on a more positive note, the pandemic has brought to light the importance of strengthening relationships between government, businesses and industry which will be key to building resilience and responsibility and ultimately, the efficacy of Britain’s post-covid economic recovery.

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