The ‘levelling up’ agenda does not come without risk – but people need support

Editorial: For now, though, the government should worry less about paying for the coronavirus crisis and more about alleviating it

How to pay for this crisis? Boris Johnson’s answer to the question is to just plough on, as so often with the tricky stuff. This time, though, he may be right to do so.

In a speech later this week, we are told, he will pledge not to return to austerity and will launch “Project Speed”, a great ramping up, as they say, in infrastructure spending. Priti Patel has confirmed there will be no retreat on the “levelling up” agenda. The modernisation and construction of hospitals, schools, roads and prisons will be stepped up. Broadband will be upgraded. The government will keep the economy afloat as it recovers from its shocks.

It is an ambitious plan, though a relapse into a second national lockdown may overtake it.