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A tragic milestone in UK Covid-19 deaths

As the pandemic death toll passes 100,000 in the UK, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss how we got here.

On 27 January, the number of people in the UK who have died with Covid-19 passed 100,000. The UK has the fifth highest death toll in the world, and the pandemic has taken more British lives than the Blitz.

In this episode of the New Statesman podcast, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe look at the mistakes that were made, how they might yet be countered, and what the electoral cost of the disaster will be when the country next heads to the polls.

Further reading

Stephen argues that the Prime Minister’s approach has led to many more deaths than might otherwise have occurred, and to unnecessary economic damage.

Nicu Calcea from the New Statesman data team writes on the tragic numbers of the Covid-19 crisis

Sophie McBain considers why we have not yet found a way to mourn loss on this scale

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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