He gave a chilling warning that the Government’s actions pose a severe threat to reshape the relationship between the state and the public in a shift to a more authoritarian style of politics, which will survive past the current crisis.  The intervention comes amid growing tension over rules meant to reduce infections, such as the Tier Three restrictions in northern England.

Lord Sumption, who stepped down from the Supreme Court in 2018, warns that the effects of coronavirus coercion are corrosive of democracy and will lead to resentment among those worst affected, including the poor and the young.  He added that the methods used by ministers will undo the unity of society and will lead to long-term authoritarian government.

The move by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, to stop shops selling goods said to be non-essential as part of a ‘firebreak’ policy has led to both public anger and widespread ridicule.

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