Boris Johnson’s ‘New Deal’ spending spree to boost Britain’s recovery from coronavirus

Johnson echoes Roosevelt with pledge of cash for hospitals, roads, rail and schools
Boris Johnson was told to stop fidgeting before his interview on the first day of Times Radio
Boris Johnson was told to stop fidgeting before his interview on the first day of Times Radio
RICHARD POHLE FOR THE TIMES

Boris Johnson will promise today to lead Britain out of the coronavirus crisis with an economic recovery plan as bold as Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal.

The prime minister is announcing a £5 billion programme of accelerated capital spending on hospitals, roads, rail, prisons, courts, schools and high streets to help to sustain a job market ravaged by the pandemic.

Mr Johnson will invite comparisons with the reforming 32nd US president, who used the full power of the state to restore American fortunes after the Great Depression, as he sets out a programme that includes a pledge to retrain those who have lost their jobs.

“It sounds positively Rooseveltian. It sounds like a New Deal. All I can say is that if so, then that