17 unimpressed reactions to the Downing Street briefing that could have been an email
On Tuesday evening, Boris Johnson paraded his new, less chaotic hairstyle in a Downing Street briefing, flanked by Medical and Science Advisers, Sir Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.
James O’Brien had made a prediction about the PM’s likely immediate course of action in the fight against Covid-19.
I think Johnson’s bored with the virus now & tired of being hamstrung by the need for Parliamentary support from Baker’s bonkers brigade. In the absence of anything truly apocalyptic, he’ll stick to the current course come what may & back himself to brazen out any consequences.
— James Oh Brien (@mrjamesob) January 4, 2022
Nailed it!
"We have a chance to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again"
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says booster jabs and Plan B measures offer "substantial protection" meaning the UK "can find a way to live with this virus"https://t.co/xspfOLfwMn pic.twitter.com/dczIx0fIBQ
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) January 4, 2022
The key takeaways from the briefing were –
Stick with Plan B.
No new mandates, therefore no new money.
Boris Johnson thinks it’s a mild illness – Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance don’t.
More effort will be made to treat people in virtual hospital beds – i.e. they’ll stay in their homes
Despite unprecedented staff shortages, the government expects the NHS to find people to work in temporary tent Nightingale hospitals in their car parks..
It’s no wonder the NHS is on a “war footing”.
In short – it could have been an email.
Tweeters were largely unimpressed.
1.
I felt it was very important to call this briefing in order to tell you clearly and unambiguously that I have absolutely fuck all to say.#DowningStreetBriefing
— Parody Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson_MP) January 4, 2022
2.
That’s right, after two years and 150,000 deaths the best he can come up with is “ride it out”. I’m so very sorry. #DowningStreetBriefing https://t.co/eSrk2snCgb pic.twitter.com/FvCOUS0M8q
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 4, 2022
3.
Boris Johnson announcing a continuation of his Plan B to combat Covid which is close your eyes and hope for the best
— dave ❄️ 🥕 🧻 (@davemacladd) January 4, 2022
4.
Say what you like about Boris Johnson, but…….
Actually there’s no but, just say what you like#DowningStreetBriefing— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) January 4, 2022
5.
BREAKING: The prime minister has responded to concerns a 250% increase in Covid hospitalisations is leaving the NHS at risk of collapse by not doing a thing about it #DowningStreetBriefing
— Laura Kuenssberg Translator (@BBCLauraKT) January 4, 2022
6.
The #DowningStreetBriefing only a little more coherent and purposeful #Pressconference pic.twitter.com/7xZ9cXYGla
— TheFastShow (@TheFastShow1) January 4, 2022
7.
Footage of the virtual hospital, where virtual beds will be available. #DowningStreetBriefing pic.twitter.com/NTwsiciyvg
— Paul Mitchell💙 (@mrmitchell78) January 4, 2022
8.
The "GET BOOSTED NOW" slogan is brought to you in association with Hula Hoops. #DowningStreetBriefing pic.twitter.com/V4UMZfuDgY
— Ravishing Rachel (@whiteroserachel) January 4, 2022
9.
That Covid briefing was reminiscent of Mr Grace from Are You Being Served … “Carry on everybody, you’ve all done very well” pic.twitter.com/smNu3ecJmC
— Jo Caulfield (@Jo_Caulfield) January 4, 2022
