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An emergency cabinet meeting has been called to discuss the ‘leaked’ coronavirus lockdown measures to the media on Friday night.
The ministers will meet today at 1:30 p.m., confirmed the prime minister’s official spokesman.
A Whitehall leak investigation was launched after newspapers reported details of the government’s proposals to introduce a month-long shutdown next week.
The Times said the prime minister met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and Health Secretary Matt Hancock to discuss “startling” new data on the pandemic, and that he was expected to hold a conference. news on Monday.
Other newspapers, including The Daily Mail and The Sun, also reported that Boris Johnson was preparing to introduce a national lockdown starting Wednesday.
POLITICO editor Alex Wickham said on Twitter that the prime minister is “furious that details of the imminent closure” of yesterday’s meeting were leaked.
He added: “No10 insist that they did not report it and that whoever is responsible has damaged trust in the midst of a public health crisis.”
Downing Street is understood to have now launched an investigation to find the source of the story, amid reports that the government had wanted to keep the plan a secret until Monday.
The alleged “briefing” of the story drew criticism from the President of the Police Federation of England and Wales, claiming that pressure had increased on emergency services.
(Image: Getty Images)
John Apter, head of the organization representing more than 120,000 base officers, called for “clear communication” on coronavirus measures.
He tweeted on Saturday morning: “For those who inform the selective media about a possible national shutdown, please understand the impact this has.
“It creates a media frenzy, causes confusion and before any official announcement encourages some to make the most of their time leading up to closing. This is not a good combination! “
He added: “This can add immense pressure to 999 services that are already struggling with the demand they have. Be more responsible. Clear communication, no hallway briefings. “
The British Chambers of Commerce also called for an end to “media briefings”.
BCC CEO Adam Marshall said: “Once again, anxious companies have to wait and worry. If the government is planning another national lockdown, it should say so immediately, rather than allowing business and market confidence to erode further by speculation.
“The briefings for the media have to end. The government must speak honestly with the nation, establish a clear plan, evidence of its actions, and significant increases in the support available to businesses and employees facing the hardships of a lack of demand or the crushing blow of the shutdown. “
Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell also criticized the government for causing “massive uncertainty” about the lockdown measures that were announced in the newspapers over the weekend.
The shadow business minister tweeted: “Frankly, this is not the way to run a country. The prime minister and the chancellor have been absent for a week as cases continue to rise.
“We need to hear from them today about what they are planning so that people are prepared and the plans can be implemented.”
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