PM’S poor leadership could prove costly

VERY belatedly, after losing his nerve, Boris Johnson has decided to follow the example of many other countries and introduce strict measures, such as closing schools and discouraging mass gatherings.

However, being Johnson, the actions have been introduced in an ill-thoughtout and poorly expressed manner.

Pubs, clubs and theatres have been penalised, because Johnson did not make their closure mandatory, so they are suffering financially when a little thought could have made their lives much easier. The vague and confusing statements on school closures have meant — yet again — others now have to spell out the detail and clarify what the Prime Minister (probably) meant.

Actually planning out a coherent course of action and then explaining it clearly seems totally beyond him.

The delays in implementing the lockdown (in the words of the authoritative medical journal The Lancet) will mean, “there will be deaths that were preventable”. It’s editor has accused Johnson of “playing roulette” with public health and of making a “major error”.

The inexperience of this Government, selected for obedience and political correctness, not for experience or ability, has been lamentable.

The most experienced health secretary of modern times was excluded from the Government because he dared to oppose Johnson for the Tory leadership. He too has criticised the Government for its lack of action.

At this time of national crisis, we need a government of national unity, with experienced ministers, as well as medical experts.

We desperately need much more testing for the virus; we cannot fight coronavirus blind.

PETER MILORY By email