Has Boris made an Rs of things in his speech?

Singularly unimpressed

Didn't find your answer?

Well, wonder which member  of the cabinet is to now be allocated the job of sorting a brewery visit- thank goodness up here I can mainly ignore their utterances.

Boris, word of advice if you are reading, KISS.

 

Replies (48)

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By meadowsaw227
11th May 2020 11:57

I can not believe how people are (not) interpreting what Boris has said .
Better to work from home if you can if not then go to work but only if its safe (your employer should have prepared for/or know this.
Try not to use public transport unless you really have to.
Go out for exercise but still social distance.
Which part of that is difficult to understand.
If all the naysayers spent as much time finding solutions rather than problems things might be easier !

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Replying to meadowsaw227:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:06

Was that today or Wednesday?

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Replying to meadowsaw227:
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By GDavidson
11th May 2020 12:06

Well have a look at the pictures of the tube this morning if you think Boris knew what he was doing.

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Replying to meadowsaw227:
By SteveHa
11th May 2020 12:07

So, to paraphrase, go to work, or don't. Don't use public transport, or do.

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Replying to SteveHa:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:11

You've been listening to this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WT59lu4tCU

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By SteveHa
11th May 2020 12:47

I hadn't, but nice to see it wasn't just me.

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By Paul D Utherone
11th May 2020 13:35

There's quite a nice, though rather more sweary, intercut of the 'message' & Ade Edmondson I saw this morning on Twitter :)

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Replying to meadowsaw227:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 13:06

meadowsaw227 wrote:

If all the naysayers spent as much time finding solutions rather than problems things might be easier !

Erm, stay at home? It's only England that appears to think this has worked so well that we don't need to do it any more. Scotland, Wales and NI seem to have thought "hey, that's working, let's keep doing that".

As a general comment, I find the fact that we were so unprepared for this appalling. That's not a party political point; why wasn't there already a blueprint national plan that the government of the day could simply brush off and implement? It's not as if this hasn't happened elsewhere - both geographically and, more importantly, in the past. We KNEW it WOULD HAPPEN one day; not like all the other contingencies that get rehearsed.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
By Paul D Utherone
11th May 2020 13:38

Well there was a dry run test that showed up flaws last year IIRC

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
11th May 2020 13:40

There was a blueprint national plan, all countries were encouraged to do these re both Influenza and a SARS type outbreak, however a number just did one plan not two (we were one of these) and we then followed it at the outset (herd inmmunity. anyone) notwithstanding it was more aimed at influenza and less at SARS. This is certainly not party political as Labour and to a degree the Liberals in Coalition are just as culpable re the poor state of our planning.

It was only once HMG had in effect let the Genie out of the bottle that they appreciated they were trying to deal with a SARS type outbreak with a plan not really suitable for that purpose (they needed far heavier front end containment, testing and tracking) and changed tack whilst being totally unprepared for what they really had.

So now, having hopefully stuffed the Genie partly back into the bottle, they are going to try the track/test approach, however not convinced they have really got the staff set up for the tracking and testing. I believe the catch is that we have massively cut the number of regional public health officers over the years, Richard North has some interesting stats on the numbers which from memory have been reduced from circa 11,000 to a few hundred in England

p.s we did rehearse, last flu one was 2016.

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By LW64
11th May 2020 14:22

Would that be the 2016 test that was so bad that the results are hidden in the cupboard under the Russia report?

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paddle steamer
By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:05

“Where shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurlyburly 's done, when the battle 's lost and won”

Shakespeare asking the pertinent coronavirus question.

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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 12:12

I really don't think this is that hard. The new slogan is crap and doesn't help.

Go to work if you can't work from home. Maintain distancing otherwise. Avoid public transport if you can. That's it.

If people can't understand this then don't complain if politicians treat us like idiots.

Slate Boris all you like for taking too long to act or putting the wrong measures in. Last night was clear enough though.

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Replying to Duhamel:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:19

Monday or Wednesday? Think that bit was clear?

And the employer guidance publication is when?

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Replying to DJKL:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 12:38

Not sure if it matters if it’s Monday or Wednesday?

On the employer guidance, some can safely re-open now. Some need to wait to see what alterations should be made. Not sure why that’s hard?

E.g. My office could reopen for very limited staff but it won’t because my employers will wait for guidance and then assess the situation.

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:57

It does matter if further safety precautions say need introduced and put in place by transport operators prior to the numbers surge.

Frankly my workplace does not need to go back as can, in the main, operate externally and is in Scotland, but if it were one of those encouraged to return it , at this point of time, would not be so doing:- we have no updated guidance yet issued, no updated risk assessments prepared based on said guidance, we do not yet have all the kit I would want fitted (like hands free sanitisers at the office entrance and masks available-my suppliers are currently struggling with these despite my ordering them in March) and that is before we address the logistics of staff childcare and transport to/from work, because both will impact my overall workplace risk assessments.

Imho Boris needed to be far clearer, if he had been we would not have had needed Raab on TV this am adjusting the timing perceptions Boris had left hanging.

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Replying to DJKL:
RLI
By lionofludesch
11th May 2020 17:58

DJKL wrote:

Monday or Wednesday? Think that bit was clear?

And the employer guidance publication is when?

What's Boris's speech got to do with you ?

It only applies in England.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By GDavidson
11th May 2020 19:07

He is probably saying thank the lord Boris isn't in charge up here.

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 12:21

Could it be that the people that don't find it difficult are the same people that the 'changes' don't affect? Like those that don't take the tube to work?

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 12:34

Maybe, but is that rocket science? If you can’t avoid the tube then you have to take it.

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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 12:40

Whilst complying with the law and staying 2m from everyone else? How?!

Have you ever been to London?

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 12:44

Yes, I have. Obviously you can’t distance in the tube.

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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 12:52

The inescapable consequence of which is that there will be another surge in the number of victims of this disease and more people will die.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 13:11

Yeah, possibly. That’s a legitimate criticism. I don’t understand why it’s being obscure by this crap about it being unclear.

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 14:19

It's not crap. We can (still) be fined if we don't distance, which must mean that that has some force of law. But at the same time we are told to go to work. (Were we told that?) As you have said, we can't do both.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 15:10

Did you see a load of fines being issued on the tube last week (when people were last within 2 metres of each other)?

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 15:20

What's that got to do with the clarity of the latest message? Or are you saying that the soft touch approach adds to the lack of clarity? Bit of a volte-face from you there, if I may say so.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 15:42

My point is that there is a practical aspect to this, which I do feel is obvious. You can't be more than 2m from someone on the tube, you need to use the tube to travel to work, therefore you use the tube.

I don't think the lack of fines shows a soft touch in this instance. It shows that the rules are unenforceable in some circumstances.

Perhaps these rule changes are too early, some employers won't be set up correctly and there could be an increase in infections, but I just don't see how they are not clear.

EDIT - having said all this, it is bizarre that the Gov are now recommending face covering but Boris didn't mention this at all (that I am aware of). I don't know why it takes so long to state the obvious.

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 15:47

Duhamel wrote:

My point is that there is a practical aspect to this, which I do feel is obvious. You can't be more than 2m from someone on the tube, you need to use the tube to travel to work, therefore you use the tube.

Alternative interpretation:

You can't be more than 2m from someone on the tube, you need to use the tube to travel to work, therefore you don't go to work.

Two (apparently valid) interpretations. AKA unclear message.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 16:01

I'm not really sure how that is a valid interpretation from what Boris said last night.

I'm also not sure any rules could fit this situation and be clear enough for everyone. I do at least now see how they can be unclear to some people.

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Replying to Duhamel:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 16:16

Then I humbly suggest you didn't listen properly to what Boris said last night, which is closer to what Bluffer says below.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Duhamel
11th May 2020 16:32

I'm afraid you have lost me. Particularly as Bluffer posted at 14.17 says it is not unclear and talks about using common sense.

Let's leave it here?

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
RLI
By lionofludesch
11th May 2020 18:12

Tax Dragon wrote:
As you have said, we can't do both.

Lots of people can, though. You could always jog. There are other ways of getting around besides the tube. Luckily for those of us who don't have the luxury of a disproportionate amount of public funds spent on a public transport infrastructure.

I thought his message of "Do what you think" was pretty clear.

Whether it could be regarded as "guidance" is another story.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 19:24

Clearly the message is not to do what you think.

Tonight's briefing is much more measured.

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By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
11th May 2020 12:19

He boxed himself in last week by announcing "big changes" on Sunday last week.

I think he wanted to do a VE-day tie in bombastic statesman like thing announcing victory over the virus, the peak flattened and the glorious leader leading at this time from the front, with ample PPE for all, 250,000 tests a day and the sun shining on the righteous golden haired leader and his new baby. (We call no.10 - rough estimate of his offspring numbers)

Check the set he used to do it from, and the new suit etc. All off that was executed to perfection.

Unfortunately his biggest achievement is highest deaths per million of population last week with Covid-19, despite not counting too hard, beating even the yanks to that. And the biggest death toll in Europe despite our geographic advantage which gave us an extra 2 weeks over Italy and central Europe to react.

Well done Boris! Yay!

So instead all we got was bumbling muddle to appease the plebs who like that sort of thing (apparently) and a new slightly confusing slogan and logo, and some vague stuff that business and people were doing anyhow. ie flouting lockdown and going back to work.

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By LW64
11th May 2020 12:32

It is as someone said obvious to those that are unaffected.

I am aware of a manufacturer who had 25% of staff message last night and say what time shall I come in tomorrow.
The whole company is furloughed and there is no social distancing viable.

Easy to say what don't people get from your remote working desk in your ivory tower.

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Replying to LW64:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 12:41

Well said.

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Replying to LW64:
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By Southwestbeancounter
11th May 2020 14:03

Spot on!

Twitter was full of people saying how wonderful and clear Boris was last night - what's betting they are all on 80/100% furloughed wages and are remaining at home and going to the beach 150 miles away when the sun returns at the end of the week!

Wait until the Chancellor's statement tomorrow - that's going to be crux of it for those furloughed I think.

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By John Stone
11th May 2020 12:48

'Stay Alert' - As someone said on the radio lat night - 'We are dealing with a deadly virus - not a Zebra Crossing '

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Replying to John Stone:
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By DJKL
11th May 2020 12:59

Where's Tufty when you need him.

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Psycho
By Wilson Philips
11th May 2020 13:11

The problem is that he addressed the UK as a whole with measures that apply largely in England only. Would have been better to have had a joint announcement with all 4 leaders involved - “If you live in England this is the guidance, if in Scotland ... and so on)

Due to timing I’ve been unable to catch many of Nicola’s speeches but have seen most of the No 10 briefings. There is no doubt a substantial number who will have heard BJ last night but are unaware of the specific measures in their own country.

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By Bluffer
11th May 2020 14:17

Didn't Boris say that folk are ENCOURAGED to go to work rather than must?

Didn't he also say that the advice is being modified and that the Government HOPES that it will be followed?

Encouraged is very different from must and hopes doesn't seem to be an instruction.

I'm not saying that I agree with the Government but surely it is not unclear? I suspect the "guidance" won't be clear though!

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Replying to Bluffer:
By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
11th May 2020 14:20

Boris always says things in such an imprecise manner so as to allow as many people to hear what they want to hear as possible.

it also allows more wriggle room when he gets it wrong. Which is quite often.

Compare and contrast with the grownups in Scotland. Stay At Home. Dont Die.

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Replying to ireallyshouldknowthisbut:
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By Bluffer
11th May 2020 14:56

If that's what you think of Boris, and I don't blame you if it is, then presumably you will do what you think is best i.e. use your common sense.

I suspect this is where the Government is going. They'd like people to be sensible but they dare not say that in so many words.

Money shouldn't come into the equation when it comes to public safety, but inevitably it will. I'd be interested to see what the instructions are from over the borders if the devolved Governments had to fund their own furlough schemes.

It's very difficult. I'm glad I don't have to make any decisions.

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Replying to Bluffer:
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By Tax Dragon
11th May 2020 15:07

Bluffer wrote:

It's very difficult. I'm glad I don't have to make any decisions.

It is. And me neither.

I don't have an ivory tower, but I can stay home. I am incredibly lucky. Those under pressure to get the tube, not so much. Also I'm glad to live here, not in Brazil, India, the US, China...

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Replying to Bluffer:
By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
11th May 2020 16:52

@Bluffer, the problem with ignoring Boris's guff, and doing what I think is common sense, is so will many other people.

But some of those people will think staying at home and washing your hands like a mad fool when you have so much as touched a door handle whilst out is stupid, and the common sense thing to do is to host a BBQ for their family & 10 of their closest friends given they just spent 2 hours on a crowded tube so it doesn't matter.

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Red Leader
By Red Leader
11th May 2020 15:35

Boris Wafflespeak just doesn't work for public safety announcements.

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By emanresu
11th May 2020 15:44

80 years ago the message was Be Alert, now it is Stay Alert.

It may be Boris' finest hour - but the sleep-deprivation's killing me !

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