Harbour Express

The Prime Minister has warned of a second wave to come (Photo: Getty Images) The warning signs are there, the Prime Minister says, of a second wave, and we should all be worried. John Bawltrey explains what this means politically, and within the government. Ever since the beginning of lockdown in the UK, there's been a cabinet divide that was especially clear during the lockdown period. The doves, on one hand, were in favour of a health-first approach, even if it came at the expense of the economy. The hawks, on the other hand, were in favour of an approach that controlled the virus, but also compromised to mitigate its socio-economic consequences. Doves include the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the Prime Minister, who were long more cautious about easing the lockdown, and are now looking closely at the consequences of a 'second wave' in Europe, particularly at a worrying spike in countries such as Spain. Clearly, when it came with the sudden quarantine rule change, the...

Source: SCMP, Photo: Edmond So Benny Tai, co-founder of the pro-democracy Occupy Movement and an associate professor of law at the University of Hong Kong, has been dismissed from his position over his criminal convictions. Pan-democrats and foreign anti-China activists are claiming an 'erosion to academic freedom', but the  Express'  John Bawltrey thinks otherwise. Just to set some of the facts straight, Tai was the co-founder of the Occupy Movement, which sought to paralyse Hong Kong's streets in 2014, which was already illegal and adversely affected Hong Kong's economy. Moreover, Tai has spoken at anti-China meetings in Taiwan and elsewhere, once claiming Hong Kong could consider becoming independent when China became 'democratic' , something which already called his position into question. It is one thing to have opinions, and to be a pan-democrat, but it is another thing to have criminal convictions for an illegal rally (a result of a fair trial, may I ...

The Hong Kong government sought to stem the Covid resurgence this afternoon by introducing new, stricter coronavirus restrictions, and increases testing. Chief Sec. Matthew Cheung reaffirmed the need to 'strike a balance' with Covid response, denying accusations that the government was slow. Photo: Sam Tsang, SCMP As of now, restaurant dining and gatherings of more than 2 people have been suspended, mandatory face masks, and the temporary closure of sports facilities, the Chief Secretary announced. In addition, he advised employers and employees to work from home.  In terms of testing, the Health Secretary Sophia Chan assured the media that testing will be expanded to minibus drivers, tenants in markets, and some teaching staff. H&B Opinions - The politics of this Harrett : It's clear that Matthew Cheung's trying to maintain confidence in the government's ability to manage the situation. We all know this virus is difficult to control and that immediate action wo...