Matt Hancock tells Boris Johnson ‘give me a break’ in bust up over his handling of coronavirus crisis
MATT Hancock reportedly told Boris Johnson to "give me a break" during a furious bust-up over his handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Pressure has grown on the Health Secretary in recent weeks as the Prime Minister prepares to unveil his 'roadmap' for exiting lockdown this evening, the reports.
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The argument came as the Prime Minister confronted Mr Hancock over his management of the outbreak, prompting the Health Secretary to respond: "‘That’s not fair – give me a break", the reports.
It followed a succession of damaging headlines for the Department of Health over a failure to provide adequate PPE to frontline workers.
These include the revelation earlier this week that 400,000 gowns flown in from Turkey did not meet safety standards,
Earlier today, it was also revealed that 26 million pairs of 'Tiger Eye' goggles were also recalled from the frontline this week for failing safety checks, the reported.
And while Hancock did meet his deadline of reaching 100,000 tests a day by the end of April, the government has been criticised for failing to hit this number for the past week.
'BORROWED TIME'
One senior government source told the Mail that Hancock's job was in doubt over his handling of the crisis.
They said: "The feeling is that Hancock is on borrowed time.
"He has fallen out with the most powerful figures in the Government, from the Prime Minister down.
"Nothing will change immediately. But once we have beaten this thing, expect him to be moved", they added.
But a source close to Hancock refuted claims of tension in the cabinet, responding that the Health Secretary had been "working incredibly well with the PM".
It comes as the Prime Minister is set to warn the UK later today that the country is entering the most dangerous phase of the outbreak.
The PM will urge “maximum caution” as he unveils his road map out of lockdown.
This will include the use of a colour-coded system alert system to keep the public informed of the risk and determine where future restrictions are imposed.
It will be based on the number of cases and the infection rate — and determine the extent of social distancing needed.
Britain is currently at orange alert — the second highest of five levels. But it is fast heading towards amber, when it will be safe to ease the lockdown.
'THE DANGEROUS BIT'
Mr Johnson told The Sun on Sunday: “This is the dangerous bit.
“We’re past the peak now but we’ll have to work even harder to get every step right."
At Saturday's coronavirus press briefing, a further 346 people were announced to have died from the virus, bringing the UK toll to 31,587.
The number of deaths among NHS and care workers has now passed 200 — hitting 203.
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This evening's announcement is set to bring small tweaks, such as the reopening of garden centres and guidance to employers so they can ensure a safe and strictly-controlled working environment for returning staff.
Mr Johnson will also reveal bigger fines for flouting the rules and 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in Britain.
The broadcast will unveil phase two of lockdown and is expected to be watched by a huge audience.
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