Government communication in a crisis: how is the government handling the coronavirus pandemic?

Listen to the event

The government has come under considerable criticism with its communications strategy during the coronavirus crisis. We asked an expert panel, which includes two former No.10 director of communications, what it has got wrong and what it needs to do to get things right? How successful the government’s daily press conferences are in explaining its response to the coronavirus outbreak? Has it shown a willingness to engage with the media? Have its messages to the public been clearly communicated? Is it right to engage in strenuous efforts to rebut critical press reports and has it been transparent in its sharing of data and scientific advice?

On our panel to discuss these issues were:

• Alastair Campbell, Director of Communications and Strategy to Tony Blair
• Sir Craig Oliver, Director of Politics and Communications to David Cameron
• Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor, the Daily Telegraph

The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

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