The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
PM denies failing to consult over virus
Angry MPs claim Boris Johnson ‘shut out’ devolved administrations from decisions on changes to lockdown regulations
Boris Johnson has insisted the UK will move “forward together” out of the coronavirus crisis, despite claims Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been “shut out” of UK Government plans.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said yesterday the devolved nations were sidelined when Downing Street adopted a new “stay alert” strategy and relaxed certain lockdown measures in England.
The decision to move away from the “stay home” message on Sunday, which has been used in all four nations, was met with widespread criticism this week.
Mr Blackford, speaking at prime minister’s questions via video link, said the move had caused “confusion”
He said: “Events on Sunday could not have been more disastrous from this government. The prime minister has made confusion costly.
“Devolved administrations shut out, widespread confusion among the public and a total disregard from this government for workers’ safety.
“Will the prime minister accept that the clear message in Scotland is ‘stay home to protect the NHS to save lives’?”
Mr Johnson responded: “The message throughout the country is, of course, that you should stay at home if you can, unless there’s specific circumstances that we’ve outlined apply.
“I must say, I don’t accept that characterisation of the co-operation that we’ve had across all four nations that Mr Blackford makes.”
The decision to walk away from the Covid-19 “four nation approach” also raised fears that measures such as the furlough scheme could be under threat, as England is now on a different track.
The scheme set up by the UK Government guarantees up to 80% of workers’ wages while businesses remain closed.
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said it was “imperative” for the scheme to continue in a way that “reflects the economic priorities of each of the four nations”.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, asked at the daily Downing Street press conference if he would commit to keeping the scheme in place in
Scotland for longer if needed, said: “The chancellor has announced we’re going to be extending the scheme for four months until October and it will remain in its current form until the end of July.
“That gives a lot of advance notice and guidance to employers and employees in all parts of the United Kingdom.
“The chancellor and his officials in the Treasury will keep on engaging with the devolved administrations... so that as changes are made to the scheme they reflect the needs of the economy and of working people throughout the UK.”
The comments came as it was confirmed another 494 people had died in the UK in the last 24 hours from Covid-19, taking the total to 33,186.
In all 229,705 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK so far.
News of the figures came as a row erupted over plans to abandon virtual proceedings in the UK Parliament.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said he does not want to see the so-called “hybrid” arrangements extended beyond the Whitsun recess on June 2, so requiring MPs to attend in person to take part in proceedings.
Mr Rees-Mogg said it would be wrong for MPs to “hide away while schoolchildren are going back”, but conceded physical sittings may not fully resume in early June.
His comments sparked a political firestorm as MPs questioned how they could stick to social distancing rules if they returned at the same time.
SNP Commons spokesman Tommy Sheppard said: “Tory moves to stop virtual participation at Westminster would create an unnecessary risk of infection in our communities, and could effectively lock Scotland out of Parliament.
“The option of virtual participation must remain so Scotland’s MPs can continue to hold the UK Government to account and represent our constituents safely.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has insisted he will suspend proceedings if the chamber gets too crowded, adding: “My priority and the priority of all, I’m sure, is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.
“I’m working with parties, the Commission to ensure this duty of care is taken seriously.”