This prime minister. I despair.

[Richtea15]

I’m young. I don’t have a comprehensive understanding of the nitty gritty of politics. However, I can see broad and clear that Boris Johnson cannot lead a country. He is not transparent in anything he says. He avoided answering that journalist about the ventilator “joke”. He’s so fucking wishy washy. He just shakes his head and acts like the public’s questions are a pesky inconvenience.

Sorry. I’m absolutely despairing.

And no, I don’t fully understand how politics work. I made that clear in my first post

You don't have to be heavily into politics to realise that it's not as simple as copying Canada. You could do some research and learn a bit. I don't mean that in a snippy way either although I am aware it reads so. Use the lack of knowledge as encouragement to learn.

I think a gradual shut down as is happening is the best way to do it, both practically and psychologically,

This can't be emphasised enough - just look at the panic/outrage/anxiety right now. We are on DAY ONE of the advice for everyone to socially distance. DAY ONE. We have months of this. And none of us can control it. None of us can do anything. I genuinely think a breakdown of law and order is a real possibility in a month or two, and a long lasting one. Presumably that's why the significant escalation of police powers in the bill is for two years.

Maybe watch the press conferences OP. You won’t sound like such a chump.

I think he is doing a fine job. I don't think anyone would be doing a "good" job in all of this; it's so unprecedented and out of left field.

If you chose your Prime Ministers from a list of former Have I Got News For You contestants, this is what you’ll end up with.

I didn’t vote for him. I wish everyone else had had the same sense!

I watched tonight’s press conference.

I’m a “chump” for having a different opinion. Nice.

If he locks everyone down in the next 3-4 days, he’s doing ok, he’s given notice and given people chance to get ready. If not, god help us

He’s offering nothing for small businesses, Arts , leisure industry. I despair

@Pumpkinpie1 Eh? Did you even watch today's press conference?

@titchy
The UK isn't special. Most countries have dealt with school closures, pub closures, lockdowns or relative lockdown just fine without any breakdown in law and order. Please explain how the UK is so different to Ireland Spain Italy, multiple US states, France, Canada Japan Singapore etc.
The UK has now possibly got 50000 active cases. The government is now engaged in a frantic game of catch-up and attempted face saving.

I hate the Tories and B J but the journalist mentioning the ' bad taste joke' was wrong. Ok he wasn't funny , but I've seen humour on the Internet and sometimes it sees us through bad times as well. It was scoring points at the wrong time. They had jokes during WW2 ffs!
Our chancellor was surprisingly good.
Very calm and measured. Time will tell of course and I'm sad about the ones that rent, but you can only cover so much and maybe that will be addressed at a later time.
I hope so as they need clarity too.
So many problems from this pandemic. It is very worrying.

I also think he’s stepping up and doing a good job of what is a totally and utterly unparalleled situation that is unpredictable.

I would rather Rishi Sunak is in charge, as he seemed far more intelligent and on the ball.

Make no mistake I am delighted at the strategy Uturn we are now witnessing. Better late than never. But in terms of real spread, the UK is now likely in a worse position to every country in Europe save probably Italy thanks to this criminal dithering.

He’s offering nothing for small businesses, Arts , leisure industry. I despair

Eh what now? Maybe take a break from all your despairing activity to actually see what he’s offering? 😂

@Cam77

Yes, this. This all over.

I can't believe I'm praising a Tory chancellor but I will do. It's not perfect and things are not being addressed but give them some time and I hope someone points out that some people need more help and they can put it in place. I really really hope they do.
Any prime minister would struggle. Corbyn would struggle too. They are only human! ( not a Tory!)
They have bungled things but we have to move on now and try and get through these bad times.

It’s a difficult situation. I don’t envy any of them having to lead at this time.

Most countries have dealt with school closures, pub closures, lockdowns or relative lockdown just fine without any breakdown in law and order.

Not for months on end.

The one thing Rishi said that made me very annoyed - “ If you’re desperate go to your local authority”

Yeah right- the local authority whose services have been devastated by the Tory government. How can they keep a straight face and say that???

Most countries have dealt with school closures, pub closures, lockdowns or relative lockdown just fine without any breakdown in law and order.

I don't think people understand that we are just at the beginning of this. This is going to last months. Yes, there has been no breakdown yet but it has been what, a week for most countries? This is not going to be a couple of weeks of doing nothing and then we will be back to normal.

Didn't think he came across at all well toda.

I agree Cam77

I did have a wry smile when they said about resources and pulling together etc etc.
Who has pulled the rug on this for ten years?
Still, we have to move on. We have to put it behind us for now. Political point scoring won't help us now.

There's no such thing as a transparent politician

the UK is now likely in a worse position to every country in Europe save probably Italy thanks to this criminal dithering

The science says this is not accurate. We acted actually a bit earlier on the curve before other countries.