“People understand this is an unprecedented situation, but they also feel there has been a lack of basic competence and proper communication.”

Johnson replied that he expects everyone to obey the law - even though he is planning to break it himself. It was beyond parody.

“The devil is in the detail, and some of the fundamental things that need to change, and some of the things that need to be invested in, are simply not happening fast enough.”

"This is a Bill that, by the government’s own admission, breaks international law. This UK gov is the most reckless (& to make it worse, incompetently so) and unprincipled in my lifetime."

She said she refuses to allow the “guerrilla tactics” and “anarchy” of the climate protesters on the streets of the UK.

It came after a senior official at NHS Test and Trace issued an apology to people unable to get a Covid-19 test.

US president Donald Trump has publicly thanked Boris Johnson for his support.

The company, a subsidiary of G4S, was accused of misleading the MoJ over the extent of its profits.

The new charges come as Britain and Iran negotiate the release of some £400 million held by London, a payment the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi made for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered.