UK Government Divided Among Ministers Over Lockdown Lift... Prime Minister Faces Controversy for Habitual Meeting Absences

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyeon-jin] As British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is receiving treatment and resting, a conflict has arisen among officials within the UK cabinet over lifting lockdown measures. Reports have emerged that Prime Minister Johnson missed several emergency security meetings during the early spread of COVID-19 in the UK, causing difficulties for the 'leaderless' UK cabinet.

According to the Sunday Times and others on the 19th (local time), Michael Gove, UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, are reported to have opposing views on whether to lift lockdown measures. Gove and Sunak proposed lifting the lockdown somewhat early considering the economic downturn, but Hancock argued that lockdown measures should be maintained until the spread of COVID-19 has practically stopped, foreign media reported. Dominic Cummings, a special advisor close to Prime Minister Johnson, agreed with Hancock's opinion.

Gove and Sunak suggested lifting lockdown measures if the basic reproduction number, which means the average number of secondary infections caused by an infected person, consistently falls below 1. However, Hancock responded that it would be difficult to endure if COVID-19 spreads again and proposed resuming economic activities when the basic reproduction number approaches 'zero (0)'. A UK government official told foreign media that Prime Minister Johnson must make this decision, saying, "Whether to wait until zero or lift the lockdown is the biggest political issue facing the UK."

Moreover, as reports emerged that the UK responded complacently at the early stage of COVID-19 spread, the Johnson cabinet is under more pressure. The Sunday Times reported that Prime Minister Johnson missed five emergency security meetings called 'Cobra meetings' regarding COVID-19 in January and February, indicating insufficient initial response.

The newspaper claimed that Johnson spent 12 days outside London, distracted by personal matters such as going through important stages of his divorce and informing his children of plans to marry his pregnant girlfriend, staying at a government-owned retreat during this period. The newspaper also reported that the UK exported some protective equipment to China at the end of February.

In response, Gove said, "There are inaccuracies in the Sunday Times report," acknowledging that Johnson missed meetings but stating that the Prime Minister does not attend most Cobra meetings and that relevant ministers preside over them. He also explained, "The Prime Minister was aware of all decisions made (at the meetings), and some were decided by him."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.