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David Gauke discusses COVID-19, Brexit and the recovery

There is a lot about the Government’s COVID-19 response which is genuinely impressive – so why is the media being so critical?

The judgement of history on the Government’s COVID response will come in due course and could ultimately vindicate them. The public verdict will, however, come much sooner and could nevertheless go the other way. Former Cabinet Minister David Gauke discusses with James Dowling, Lansons lead political consultant.

This podcast, recorded during the pandemic, looks at the Government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis and how the Government will manage the moment of greatest political peril – when the UK starts to exit the lockdown. David and James consider the more politically deft approach taken by Labour under Keir Starmer - and where this leaves us on Brexit and the public finances.

Podcast Highlights:

How is the Government is handling the crisis – and are they making their job harder for themselves with their public presentation
Why is the Government refusing to say when they will start lifting the lockdown – and what are the options for doing so?
Is Keir Starmer setting a trap for the Government?
Where does this leave the public finances – and how does the Government best create the conditions for their recovery?
Finally, what is going to happen with Brexit? Is the Government really intent on leaving the transition at the end of the year, regardless of whether we have a deal in place?

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How we can help you with your public affairs needs

We help you know who to talk to, what to listen to, and what really matters for your organisation. With over 40 years’ combined expertise of working within politics and business, including hands-on experience of Westminster and Whitehall, the Lansons team can deliver real value and business-changing insights.

The Rt Hon David Gauke

former Secretary of State for Justice

David was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2016, where he attended Cabinet and had responsibility for public spending. In 2017, he was promoted to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and in January 2018 he was appointed Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, becoming the first solicitor to become Lord Chancellor. David was elected Member of Parliament for South West Hertfordshire in 2005, becoming a Shadow Treasury Minister in 2007. On the formation of the Coalition Government in 2010, he was appointed as the minister responsible for the tax system, first as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and then, from 2014, as Financial Secretary to the Treasury. David left government in July 2019. David now works for Macfarlanes, providing strategic support to clients across a wide range of public policy issues including the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU and the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. He is an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford, an Honorary Freeman of the City of London and an Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple.

James Dowling

Board Director and Lead Political Consultant

James oversees Lansons’ public affairs and public policy practice. A former Conservative Special Adviser and Treasury official, James has worked with senior ministers across Government including the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lord Chancellor.

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