Week 32: Prime Minister's Statement

Type of Writing: 

Reactions to Boris’ speech from myself and Harriet, contrasted with what was going on in Kit’s head.

Good afternoon,

I am sorry to report that the situation has deteriorated since I last spoke to you three days ago.

Ryan: Has it deteriorated that much or were you just not listening when scientists said weeks ago that mixing over Christmas was a bad idea?

Harriet: Just listen to him.

Kit: (I like that man’s hair. It looks soft like straw. I want to touch it.)

Yesterday afternoon, I was briefed on the latest data showing the virus spreading more rapidly in London, the South East and the East of England than would be expected given the tough restrictions which are already in place.

I also received an explanation for why the virus is spreading more rapidly in these areas. It appears this spread is now being driven by the new variant of the virus, which we first learned about earlier this week.

There is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness or higher mortality, but it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily.

NERVTAG’s early analysis suggests the new variant could increase R by 0.4 or greater. Although there is considerable uncertainty, it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant.

This is early data. It is subject to review. It is the best we have at the moment, and we have to act on information as we have it because this is now spreading very fast.

Harriet: It certainly moves quicker than your decision making.

Kit: (He’s got a tie on. Where’s his lanyard? My dad wears a lanyard over his tie. I do like a lanyard. It’s mesmerising and entrancing. I like seeing it as soon as my dad gets home from work. I love lanyard.)

The U.K. has by far the best genomic sequencing ability in the world, which means we are better able to identify new strains like this than any other country.

Ryan: If only we had the best politicians in the world.

Kit: (I wonder where my dad keeps his lanyard.)

I met ministers on the Covid Operations Committee last night and again first thing this morning, and Cabinet met at lunchtime to agree the following actions.

First, we will introduce new restrictions in the most affected areas – specifically those parts of London, the South East and the East of England which are currently in tier 3.

These areas will enter a new tier 4, which will be broadly equivalent to the national restrictions which were in place in England in November.

Harriet: We can’t meet our family then, Ryan.

Kit: (I’m going to try and get closer to that screen. I want to touch the straw hair.)

That means:

Residents in those areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close. People must work from home if they can, but may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors. People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas, and tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

Unlike the November national restrictions, communal worship can continue to take place in tier 4 areas.

Ryan: Somewhere to go and pray for a new government.

Kit: (My dad looks angry. Normally he’s only angry when the eleven men in yellow play. Maybe it’s the man’s yellow hair. Maybe he just doesn’t like the colour yellow.)

These measures will take effect from tomorrow morning.

Second, we are issuing new advice on travel.

Although the new variant is concentrated in tier 4 areas, it is nonetheless present at lower levels around the country.

We are asking everyone, in all tiers, to stay local.

People should carefully consider whether they need to travel abroad and follow the rules in their tier.

Harriet: Do you think New Zealand would have us, Ryan?

Kit: (My mum looks sad. Last time I saw her sad was when that woman with the black paint under her eyes left the cooking programme.)

Third, we must, I am afraid, look again at Christmas.

As Prime Minister, it is my duty to take the difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country.

Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.

In England, those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.

Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days as previously set out.

I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is for grandparents to see their grandchildren, and for families to be together.

So I know how disappointing this will be, but we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.

When the science changes, we must change our response.

Ryan: The science has been telling you this for a long time. It hasn’t recently changed.

Kit: (I wonder if his lanyard is in the box by their bed.)

When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence.

I want to stress we are not alone in this fight – many of our European friends and neighbours are being forced to take similar action.

Harriet: They probably took it earlier than us though.

Kit: (I bet his hair feels better than the throw on this sofa.)

We are working closely with the devolved administrations to protect people in every part of the UK.

Of course there is now hope – real hope – that we will soon be rid of this virus.

Yes, Christmas this year will be very different, but we must be realistic.

As sure as night follows day, we will beat back this virus.

We will defeat it.

And we will reclaim our lives.

Harriet: We will defeat Boris in the next election.

Ryan: We will reclaim our lives.

Kit: (Lanyard….)