Boris Johnson and Michael Gove clash over length of second lockdown

- INDEPENDENT - Nov 1, 2020 -

Rob Merrick Deputy Political Editor

Michael Gove admits the national lockdown could be extended beyond December 2

‘This is very much seen as a 28-day set of measures, then we will go back to the regional approach,’ No 10 insists

Downing Street has slapped down Michael Gove for suggesting the new four-week lockdown could be extended, exposing splits at the heart of government over Covid-19 policy.

As scientists warned that surging infections would put the 2 December expiry plan in jeopardy, Boris Johnson’s effective deputy called it a “review” date – saying: “We’ll always be driven by the data.”

But No 10 sought to stamp on the idea of even longer restrictions, amid a Tory backlash over the chaotic U-turn. “This is very much seen as a 28-day set of measures, then we will go back to the regional approach,” a source told The Independent.

Mr Johnson will seek to face down growing backbench unrest over the new restrictions on Monday, when he is expected to tell MPs modellings suggests deaths over winter could be more than twice the toll of the first wave and “there is no alternative” but to lock down nationally.

LEIA MAIS:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/michael-gove-second-lockdown-extension-boris-johnson-start-end-b1509459.html