The UK Has Far Bigger Problems Than a 'Nanny State'
Liz Truss can’t afford to underestimate the importance (and effectiveness) of a good public information campaign aimed at reducing energy demand.
Give us info.
Photographer: Richard Baker/In PicturesWhen Covid-19 spread, Britons got used to regular government messaging such as “hands, face, space.” But as the pandemic wore on (and on), a backlash against the briefings and ever-evolving rules took hold. Britain has long responded to public information campaigns, but people wanted more freedom to decide which risks to take.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss rode that wave to power this summer. She railed against handouts and the “nanny state.” Take back control, that Brexit message, became something more like “give back control.” It helped make her point when this summer’s heat wave hit and the government offered such helpful messaging as “stay out of the heat” and “find somewhere else that is cool.” Cue eyerolls.