Boris Johnson tells Cabinet colleagues he’ll lead UK out of coronavirus lockdown and it could be as early as NEXT WEEK
BORIS Johnson has told Cabinet colleagues he will return to lead Britain out of lockdown — and friends say it could be as early as next week.
He is determined to be at No10 to direct plans to get the country moving again. And an ally said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if he was back before the end of next week.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
“Everyone knows he is the key to selling the end of the lockdown to voters.
“This is the biggest decision he will ever take and he knows the implications are vast for millions of families. There is no way he will be on the sidelines.”
Downing Street aides have stressed Boris must recover fully from coronavirus before stand-in Dominic Raab hands over.
But the PM has set his sights on returning before May 11 when the extended lockdown is due to end — and critical decisions must be taken on the next step.
Today military transport planes carrying 400,000 surgical gowns and personal protective equipment for health workers are due to land in Oxfordshire. The Department of Health did an emergency deal with makers in Turkey as supplies at UK hospitals came within hours of running out.
Medics fear the new shipment will last only days.
Yesterday’s UK hospital death toll was 888 — bringing the total to 15,464.
It includes at least 61 health workers, nearly double the 32 NHS deaths we reported last Sunday.
Buckingham Palace yesterday announced there will be no gun salute to mark the Queen’s 94th birthday on Tuesday. It will be the first time in her 68-year reign there is no salute.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Meanwhile Prince Harry sparked anger by claiming the media is exaggerating the impact of Covid-19.
He said: “Things are better than we are led to believe through certain corners of the media.”
No10 last night refused to comment on any timeline for the PM’s return to work.
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
SUN readers are today urged to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
Yesterday, we backed a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.”
SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking readers to sign the petition online at thesun.co.uk/georgecrossfornhs.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk