As the coronavirus crisis unfolds, is it right to call for a universal basic income?

Extraordinary measures will be needed, writes John Rentoul, but not necessarily this one

Almost all agree that direct cash payments to individuals are part of the solution (Getty)

A basic income is a bad idea in search of a reason to be implemented. So no wonder that the coronavirus pandemic has revived this zombie policy. The economic damage wrought by the disease is so great that huge and innovative responses are required, and a basic income, which is an attractive option in normal times, seems an obvious answer.

A regular income paid by the state to every citizen regardless of their circumstances sounds like just what is needed at a time of catastrophic loss of jobs and earnings from casual work.

Andrew Yang, a US Democratic presidential hopeful who dropped out of the race five weeks ago, for whom a basic income was the signature policy, has said: “I told you so.” Rebecca Long-Bailey, a Labour prime-ministerial hopeful, has called for a temporary basic income. As has Layla Moran, a Lib Dem leadership hopeful. Ian Blackford, of the Scottish National Party, called for it at Prime Minister’s Questions this week. Yesterday, they were joined by 170 other MPs and peers.