T he pressure on food banks is one of the first holes opening up in British society’s defences against the economic firestorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As we report today, charities are warning that food banks are running low because of increased demand and dwindling supplies.

If Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to make good on their fine words about our “capacity for compassion” in our “collective national effort”, this is something they need to act on urgently.