Half of Britain is broke – and the other half is richer than ever | Patrick Collinson

The Covid-19 outbreak has left some struggling to pay bills, while others wallow in spare cash

Years ago I wrote about Buy Nothing Day, an attempt by US campaigners to encourage us not to indulge in pointless consumerism, just for one day a year. It was widely mocked at the time. Now, for many people, it feels like Buy Nothing Day every day.

When was the last time you filled up the car? Bought a train ticket? Paid an air fare? Ordered a new sofa? Or even just bought a latte or booked the cinema? Days now go by when I do not spend one pence. And I know I'm far from alone. Figures emerging across Europe reveal that forced saving is happening on an unprecedented scale.