I will be on BBC World Service News Hour today between 1 and 2 (around 1.30 UK time) to discuss the psychology of trust and how the Government can rebuild its credibility with the public. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172x2yprlq7txk
Here are the key take-home points.

First, treat the public with respect. Less unrealistic bombast, empty promises and the juiciest jam... tomorrow. We don't need to 'world-class' and 'world-beating' systems. Having half-decent systems that actually exist and work would be a good start.

Second, be open. Publishing the scientific advice, so people can judge for themselves if it is followed or not, is a good start. Thank you. But it needs to go further. Admit your mistakes. Everyone knows them anyway, so denying them just undermines credibility.

Moreover, if you do acknowldege mistakes, and show an understanding of why things went wrong, it increases confidence that you might get things right next time. In our present calamatous situation (highest death rates in the world) it will pay to be humble.

Third, involve people in the development of policy. If the public are part of the process - if they are listened to and feel threy have voice - they are far more likely to own the outcome. The exact same policy, simply imposed from above, can be resisted and create discord.

Overall, we are in a dangerous spiral wher each problem leads the Government to want to deliver more and quicker. But this is a prime case of more haste less speed. Take time to prepare, to involve people, to ensure we have systems that are robust before we move on.

Above all, don't treat us as children who need placating. Treat us at every step as full partners in a commoni enterprise - and then we will begin to view you in the same way.