In Conversation with Paul Ormerod

Welcome to Episode One of the IEA's new 'In Conversation' series. Originally recorded as a video (which is available on Youtube) Syed Kamall, IEA Academic & Research Director, is joined by Paul Ormerod, economist, author, and entrepeneur. His new paper on 'Epidemiology & Behaviour' will soon be published by the IEA. The UK Government's actions to fight COVID-19 was first headed by the behavioural insight team, where it was believed that desirable behaviours could be achieved, without significantly impacting on day to day activity. Since then, over 16,000 people have lost their lives to the virus. The British public have spent more than 4 weeks in lock-down, and the Chancellor has announced £350 billion package to keep the UK economy afloat. But throughout the continent, governments are starting to lax the quarantine restrictions. Behaviour will play a key role in this process, and economics has a valuable contribution to make.