Stephen Bush and Ailbhe Rea sit down for the first time in 2021 to discuss the government's response to the new Covid variation, the inevitability of a new national lockdown, and the political fallout for Boris Johnson. They also take your questions on Labour's uncertain stance on school closures.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12If you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.We'd love to hear from you! Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk. You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.***Topics in this podcast: UK CoronavirusCovid 19The NHSNational lockdown restrictionsSchool closuresScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandDevolved administrationsPolitical impact of the crisis for Boris JohnsonLabourConservativesLiberal DemocratsPeople mentioned this podcast:Boris JohnsonNicola SturgeonKeir StarmerEd Davey See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.