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Exclusive: Boris Johnson back at controls on Monday
The boss is on his way back. We can reveal that Boris Johnson is planning to return to No10 as early as Monday to take back control of the coronavirus crisis. Amid Cabinet concerns the lockdown has gone too far, the Prime Minister has told aides to schedule catch-up meetings with individual ministers next week to get fully up to speed. Political Editor Gordon Rayner explains that he will return at a critical time – with ministers relying on him to inject fresh impetus into plans for an exit strategy. The news of his return to work came as Donald Trump said overnight that Mr Johnson is “doing great”. The US President spoke to the PM not long after his release from hospital, revealing: “He sounded incredible… It’s like the old Boris, tremendous energy, tremendous drive.” Mr Johnson will have a lot on his plate, to say the least. But, in this analysis, Associate Editor Camilla Tominey writes that the biggest threat to his premiership is not Labour – but rebels in his own party.
The pressure to set out the route out of lockdown grew yesterday as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed Scotland’s plans for dealing with the virus, having said politicians should treat the public like grown-ups. Global Health Security Editor Paul Nuki explains why her plan points the way out of lockdown. Science Editor Sarah Knapton examines Britain’s four potential exit strategies. And, while restrictions remain, Matt finds a novel way to use stockpiled loo roll in today’s cartoon.
PS – With developments coming thick and fast, stay informed with our liveblog, daily Global Health Bulletin, WhatsApp group, coronavirus podcast and index page with all our articles. We have a special offer when you take out a new Telegraph subscription that allows you to access all our newspaper and online articles without leaving home. Sign up for a free one-week trial – then save 50pc on your first three months.
Testing will be offered to 10m key workers and families
Tests for coronavirus are being opened up to swathes of the public. Around 10million families are able to apply to see if they are eligible for them from today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock last night announced that all those defined as essential workers – including teachers, civil servants, and transport staff – would be given access to testing. This will mostly be at drive-through centres and mobile units. But thousands of home testing kits will also be delivered by Amazon within 24 hours – and collected the next day by Royal Mail. Health Editor Laura Donnelly explains in more detail how the system will work.
Duke’s cunning plan: Big Night In Blackadder cameo
The Duke of Cambridge has made his comic acting debut. His surprise appearance in a Blackadder sketch poking fun at himself was a highlight of last night’s The Big Night In. Prince William joined a television sketch for the BBC One special with Stephen Fry – in character as a modern day Lord Melchett – before ushering his children to lead the way in the national “clap for carers” (view pictures in our gallery). Michael Hogan describes the show – to raise money for the fight against Covid-19 – as “just the cheering moment the nation needed”. Read his review.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Comment and analysis
You Are Not Alone: Surviving coronavirus lockdown
- Socialite in lockdown | ‘Life will never be the same again’, says Poppy Delevingne
- Family coaching | How to parent a ‘quaranteenager’ during lockdown
- Home sweet home | Your perfect post-lockdown holiday is on your doorstep
Business and money briefing
Signs of revival | Manufacturers across Britain are returning to work as the economy shows signs of emerging from hibernation after the virus peak. Carmakers Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover have set out plans to reopen their factories early next month with strict safety measures in place. Alan Tovey reports how Britain is getting back to business.
Life after lockdown: Denmark
Walking a tightrope | They may not know it, but children across Denmark are in the midst of a great experiment – and it is one that Britain and the rest of Europe are watching closely. How can a country reopen schools and nurseries to allow parents to return to work without prompting a sudden resurgence in infections? Read Patrick Sawer and Richard Orange‘s report and view our world picture gallery.
Children play in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens – LISELOTTE SABROE/EPA-EFE
Also in the news today
Wrong-way driver | The US military base near to where Harry Dunn died is investigating claims that another member of staff drove on the wrong side of the road before crashing. Mr Dunn, 19, was killed after a collision outside RAF Croughton last August, which led to suspect Anne Sacoolas leaving the UK under diplomatic immunity. Mrs Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat, had been driving on the wrong side of the road before the crash. Yohannes Lowe reports on fresh concerns.
And finally… for this morning’s downtime
Brian Potter and the Bolton Comedy Mafia | Twenty years ago, an entire comic universe – full of “real people doing real things” – was formed in an unknown comedian’s Bolton bedroom. Tom Fordy looks at how Peter Kay created Phoenix Nights