During a heated interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that he does not believe the public can be trusted with a coronavirus exit strategy.
Speaking with host Nick Robinson about reports that the UK government has been mishandling the coronavirus pandemic by not being clear enough with the public, he said:
“The thing is this, Nick, and this is really really important. How we communicate as a government, as ministers, has a direct impact on the amount of cases that we have and, therefore, the amount of people who die.”
“Because the clarity of messaging that people need to stay at home because that protects the NHS – because as you said in the intro, we have this core goal to make sure the NHS isn’t overwhelmed, which everybody a month ago was telling me it was impossible to achieve and that has been achieved thus far – that core messaging has a direct impact on how many people follow the guidelines.”
The minster then appeared to lose his cool, blasting Robinson for trying to interrupt him, saying: “Let me, please, let me finish my answer.”
He went on to say: “The communications are part of the policy. That is why we will not be distracted in to confusing that messaging. The scientists can say what they like; the commentators can say what they like.”
The unexpected clash has not gone unnoticed with Labour MP Diane Abbott tweeting: “So Matt Hancock loses his temper on BBC4 Today just now. Maybe he is upset that all the misrepresentations are catching up with him.”
BBC host Andrew Neil also commented on the heated exchange, tweeting: “Matt Hancock very feisty with Nick Robinson on Radio 4 Today. Let’s see what happens with Piers Morgan on GMB.”
The outburst comes as a key coronavirus adviser says the UK needs a lockdown exit strategy. Prof Neil Ferguson, one of the leading epidemiologists advising the UK government, has said that Downing Street needs to accelerate planning for exiting the lockdown as contact tracing, testing and social distancing will be needed indefinitely.
Downing Street will today carry out the three-week review of the lockdown regulations, although ministers have already made it clear that there is no prospect of the measures being relaxed.
Speaking at the daily briefing on Wednesday, Matt Hancock said: “We cannot let go of the hard work that has been done so far. This shared sacrifice is starting to work, but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so.”
It is presumed that the ministers will first be briefed by Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, and then Mr. Raab will lead a meeting where the official approval of extending the lockdown will take place.
Meanwhile, a report has been sent to ministers that suggest restaurants, coffee shops and estate agents should be among the first to reopen on the high street as these businesses pose the smallest risk of spreading the virus and have the ability to significantly boost the economy.
