Podcasts from The Bigger Picture presented by Simon Rose

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the lessons we can draw from past pandemics, remarking how similar attitudes are in the modern world to those of our ancestors. He discusses how the NHS must turbo-charge innovation if it is cope with the legacy of Covid-19. And he looks at the a little-reported decision of German's constitutional court that may have massive ramifications for the Euro and the EU.

Political commentator Mike Indian discusses the Prime Minister's massively-watched announcement and the government's new messaging on Covid-19. He looks at the extension of the Job Retention Scheme, the lack of use of the NHS during the crisis, the approval of the new antibody test and disagreements in the United States over lifting pandemic restrictions.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the UK's response to the Coronavirus and asks how it will be ranked, pointing out just how ignorant we still are about Covid-19. He considers how the NHS will manage to catch up with the colossal backlog of patients, hoping that some of the lockdown contingency practices might become more permanent. And he discusses what it is actually like to work in the UK's university sector.

Political commentator Mike Indian considers what difference it will make to control of the crisis having Boris Johnson back in harness. He considers the wisdom of Matt Hancock's testing target, where blame lies with the shortages of PPE, asks whether NHS bureaucracy will be cut back after the pandemic and marvels in how well the virtual Parliament has been working.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University asks what the unlock will look like and which nations have got right their response to the coronavirus pandemic - if we can yet tell. He examines the power war between China and the United States within the World Health Organisation. And he highlights the project that is keeping track of government interventions and the impact they are having around the world.

Political commentator Mike Indian ponders who is able to take charge when the Prime Minister is ill. With lockdown extended by a further minimum of three weeks, he examines what this might mean for British politics and the economy. He looks at Sir Keir Starmer's reaction to the leaked Labour Party report and factionalism. And, with Bernie Sanders dropping out of the Presidential race, he considers Donald Trump's defunding of the World Health Organisation.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University attempts to ascertain where we are in the Covid-19 pandemic and forecast when and how we might emerge from it, believing that a vaccine could be much nearer discovery than many are saying. He looks at Kier Starmer's election as the leader of the Labour party, asking who he is and whether he can win back lost Labour voters. And he reveals why China's lies and obfuscation about the Coronavirus outbreak has undoubtedly made the worldwide effects of the pandemic considerably worse than it needed to be.

Political commentator Mike Indian looks at the Government's response to the Coronavirus crisis, its progress with testing, its support for the self-employed and how it compares with other countries around the world, particularly Europe and the United States. He asks what sort of country, politically and economically, we might have when this is over.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the political and economic response so far to Covid-19, giving us his report on the Government's actions so far. He tells us, why we should be cautious for some time yet when it comes to trusting the data about the virus. And he examines the history and geopolitics of dangerous diseases, telling us about the infamous beak doctors of the 17th century.