He reports that the Prime Minister “continues to make positive steps forward” – and that there will be no lockdown news until later next week.
His colleagues express their confidence in their temporary chairman, and in his ability to revive Cabinet government.
So long as the Prime Minister is available to make the really big calls – or has left clear instructions or authorisation – the Foreign Secretary can deputise.
The Government needs to give shape and definition to its backroom plans to end the lockdown. His colleagues must support the man in charge.
“He’s not just the PM for all of us in Cabinet, he’s not just our boss, he’s also our colleague and he’s also our friend.”
“[Johnson is] giving directions as and when required…. The whole team is focused on delivering those instructions.”
The choice is between this imperfect option and a worse one – which is letting the ship of state drift amidst a storm unprecented in its nature and reach.
The Prime Minister’s hospitalisation accentuates the need for a new strategic structure to support a new strategic plan.
Matt Hancock also sees a 20-point rise in his approval rating to take third place as the Covid-19 crisis reshapes British politics.
“Where commercial flights are no longer running, the Government will provide the financial support for special charter flights.”
Raab and Patel advocate the positions of their departments, which are based on different concerns and priorities. It is for the Prime Minister to decide.
At the moment, the most important Government action is rolling out testing, ventilators and equipment. Cabinet committees can and should deal with all that.
Johnson’s task is to hire the right people and back them as long as they are getting things done, no matter who they offend in the process.
“For an initial period of 30 days and of course subject to ongoing review,” the Foreign Secretary tells the Commons.
It is a supreme irony that the EU has effectively ended free movement, while the UK continues to embrace it