UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new month-long lockdown as the country grapples with high COVID-19 infection rates and a stretched National Health Service. But will the British people and its politicians – so compliant and supportive of the threat first time around – be as willing to back the new measures? Mark Kenny talks to Democracy Sausage UK regulars Elizabeth Ames and Bevan Shields.

In the face of staggeringly high infection rates, a track and trace system that has long since been overwhelmed, and a National Health Service under serious threat, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has locked down the country to tackle its second wave of coronavirus crisis. But while the first time around the UK population was behind the measures, this time around Johnson is facing intense criticism from the public and within his own party. Joining Professor Mark Kenny to talk about the UK’s COVID-19 response are Democracy Sausage regulars Elizabeth Ames and Bevan Shields. The panel also discuss the unfolding US election result, and the merits of Clumber spaniels.

Elizabeth Ames is an international trade policy expert. She is currently Director of the Britain-Australia Society and Trustee of the Menzies Australia Institute at King’s College London.

Bevan Shields is Europe Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He was previously Federal Editor and Canberra Bureau Chief.

Mark Kenny is a Professor in the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the university after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Canberra Times.

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Texas has always been involved in the energy space, but few women have had the impact like Elizabeth Ames Coleman. A two time Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commision, and Member of the Texas House of Representatives. Blanca Andrus, CFO, EnerCom, and Elizabeth have a great conversation about growing up around energy, some history, and current issues around the oil patch.

Thank you Elizabeth for stopping by and visiting with us!

Bio:

Elizabeth's distinguished career has included: Member of the Texas House of Representatives; Chairman, Railroad Commission of Texas; Senior Policy Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs; and currently is a Principal at EnergyNorthAmerica.

Elizabeth Ames is the author of the terrific debut novel The Other's Gold. She and Zibby talked about living at Harvard, writing a campus novel, and their formative college years.