Boris Johnson will reportedly swerve journalists this evening by only fielding pre-recorded questions from the public.
The Prime Minister will answer questions in front of the cameras at a Downing Street briefing later today after the government unveils its 50-page document in parliament.
But rather than taking them from journalists, as is customary, he will only respond to questions from the public.
Starmer’s response
The BBC’s press team has confirmed that Keir Starmer will formally respond to the Prime Minister’s address in his own broadcast to the country at 18:55.
Last night he said the nation was looking for “clarity and consensus” and we “didn’t get either”.
He added: “The truth is, the Prime Minister’s statement raises more questions than it answers.
“Those questions need answering if the public is going to have confidence in what happens next.”
Mixed messaging
The government was criticised for “dangerous” mixed and confused messaging following Johnson’s crucial speech on the coronavirus lockdown measures.
The Prime Minister outlined “the first sketch of a road map” last night with a new alert system to determine when aspects of the economy and social lives can be restarted.
He said that people who cannot work from home should be “actively encouraged” to return to their jobs from Monday and granted unlimited exercise in England from Wednesday.
But the speech was lambasted for its lack of clarity.
Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “I’m extremely disappointed by the mixed messaging that is coming from the Prime Minister, it’s frankly dangerous.
“By comparison, the clarity from Scotland and Wales is somewhat of a relief.”
Devolved nations
Leaders of all the devolved nations rejected Johnson’s new “stay alert” advice amid criticism that the new slogan is unclear.
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted the old “Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives” advice, while Mark Drakeford said the “stay home” message has not changed in Wales and Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster also said the nation will continue to use the message.
Adam Price, Plaid Cymru leader, said: “The UK Government has cut itself adrift of the 3 nation approach which now exists between Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“His message is confusing and dangerous. You cannot stay alert to something you can’t see.”
Related: Boris Johnson is a man revelling in his own ineptitude
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
