Boris Johnson’s position on coronavirus has been misrepresented by an out of context clip – and it must stop

HOW terrible that the politicisation of the coronavirus public health epidemic is now in full force.

Fake news merchants on the cesspit that is Twitter are distributing a clip of the Prime Minister from ITV’s This Morning last week.

In the 24-second video – which has now been viewed over two million times – Boris Johnson says: “Perhaps you could take it on the chin, take it all in one go and allow coronavirus to move through the population without really taking as many draconian measures.”

But to take the clip out of context is the worst type of fake news.

Boris was answering a question to him put by the presenter Phillip Schofield about whether the delay was to try and delay the spread of the virus until the summer in order to avoid overwhelming the NHS.

However, before the clip in question he stated: “Well it's a very very important question and that's where a lot of the debate has been and one of the theories is that perhaps you could sort of take it on the chin.”

He is not for a second saying that the government’s plan is to take it on the chin, but simply it’s a theory that is being debated by others.

Crucially after the fake news clip, he clarifies the government’s position further.

He says: “I think we need to strike a balance. I think it's very important, we've got a fantastic NHS. We'll give them all the support that they need. We'll make sure that they have all the preparations all the kit that they need for us to get through it but I think it would be better if we take all the measures that we can now just to stop the peak of the disease being as difficult for the NHS as it would. I think there are things that we may be able to do.”

We are battling a coronavirus pandemic right now. This is an international issue. There is quite understandably concern and even panic among the population.

It’s critical that we are able to trust our leaders by putting politics to one side.

So why on earth is Twitter and other social media companies allowing the spread of this fake news clip that I’ve just proven quite clearly entirely misrepresents the Prime Minister’s position.

Whatever you think of the Tories, it’s very difficult to criticise their handling of this crisis.

They are trying to balance the need to protect the public and delay the spread of the virus, while taking into account the need to keep the country running as close to normal for as long as possible.

The medical and scientific experts at the heart of this response have made it clear that at the forefront of every decision are facts and science.

Even this morning the Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer, hit back at the London mayoral candidate Rory Stewart’s call to ban public gatherings.

She said: "Our advice is founded entirely on scientific evidence. Modellers are working hourly on cases as they arise to analyse the effects of different interventions, because we need a balanced response which maximises public safety and maximises effectiveness of the health service while minimising disruption to people's lives."

This is an expert, not a government minister, not the Prime Minister. I trust her more than someone currently running for office and looking for attention.

Now the Lib Dems acting leader Ed Davey is even using such a serious health emergency to suggest delaying Brexit.

But as the recent election proved, these egregious attempts to stop the result of our biggest democratic vote being enacted will only hurt that party which is stuck in the past.

This is most certainly not the moment to dredge up the divisive debates decided over three years ago.

Let’s move together through this very uncertain time sensibly and united without buying into unnecessary political rows.