Missing in-action

This has been his attitude from the start. It's not surprising that he's capitalising on what's left of his position while the going's good.

The man is an out and out disgrace.

It's really beyond belief, isn't it? And it seems that we are lumbered with him until September. What state will the country be in by then, with no effective government and no prospect of a decent PM, given the current crop of hopefuls?

Hé should leave now and let someone who is more suitable stand in until September, T. May?

If social services and carers (visiting or in homes for the elderly) are doing their jobs properly, why does government need to be involved in looking after (how, anyway?) old people at risk from the effects of a summer heatwave?

That's not to defend BJ's PM-ship, just a general remark.

Baggs

If social services and carers (visiting or in homes for the elderly) are doing their jobs properly, why does government need to be involved in looking after (how, anyway?) old people at risk from the effects of a summer heatwave?

I thought Cobra were talking about infrastructure collapse Baggs - train tracks buckling, roads melting, power failures, that type of thing.

Yes, it's a lot wider ranging than care homes.

Even if it weren't though, the PM should be on the case in a national emergency. What does he think his job description includes?

As I see it all any government can do is put out general warnings and advice ie drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, close curtains in sunny rooms, rest more etc and as I see it, that’s been well covered.
I’m sick of seeing everything being use as a way to attack BJ, even the weather. He’s going, a new PM is being chosen. He’s engineered his own downfall so just let the process sort itself out.

Yes, that's all very well, maddyone, but he still says he's in charge, so he could at least show an interest in what's going on, rather than have yet another party for supporters.

Doodledog

Yes, it's a lot wider ranging than care homes.

Even if it weren't though, the PM should be on the case in a national emergency. What does he think his job description includes?

I don't regard a summer heatwave as a national emergency. I guess that's a pretty big difference between us.

People who look after vulnerable others know what they need to do without all the catastrophizing language.

Johnson is still being paid his salary, so he should try and act like a PM for once, instead of pretending he's Top Gun and arranging a freebie party for his chums..

Useless to the end.?

National emergencies are classed as such when lives are at significant risk.

So there is a national emergency if there is flooding, high winds, severe cold and severe heat, amongst other things.

40c+, a temperature never before reached in the U.K. is a national emergency.

The government is there to provide leadership and infrastructure coordination etc.

The prime minister is not being paid to party the summer away and enjoy all the benefits the office gives him.

The tax payers are being taken for fools.

So what can he possibly contribute?

Who are all these people/companies who are willing to pay thousands of pounds to listen to a Has Been talk to them?
Can anybody name them?

Yes, he's drawing the salary, and it's not as though he's fought against remaining in charge. He said that the country needed stability in the interregnum, but so far has shown no desire to even try to provide it.

Aveline

So what can he possibly contribute?

Well in theory, leadership and to ensure coordination etc.

In fact Johnson has never provided anything positive.

Baggs

Doodledog

Yes, it's a lot wider ranging than care homes.

Even if it weren't though, the PM should be on the case in a national emergency. What does he think his job description includes?

I don't regard a summer heatwave as a national emergency. I guess that's a pretty big difference between us.

People who look after vulnerable others know what they need to do without all the catastrophizing language.

I suspect the government knows more than any of us do about what the risks are, so if they say it is then we have to accept that surely?

Whether you regard it as such isn't really the point though. The government says it is, and Johnson is, nominally at least, the head of the government.

People who think this isn't a national emergency are deluded.

There was a COBRA meeting, and the man who said it was his duty to stay as PM didn't bother attending, even by Zoom as far as we know. And there are people who think that's OK. He's meant to take responsibility. Have we forgotten what PMs are for?

Welcome to 21st Century Britain.

It’s all of a piece with Raab and Patel refusing to attend Committee meetings. If they aren’t prepared to undertake the duties that are part of their roles, and for which they are paid very well by the public purse, they should step aside. Or, of course, if the Tory party had any ethics, be sacked.

Running a country is nothing like keeping an eye on your next door neighbour.

Protocols are in place and activated according to the emergency level. This ensures smooth running of the EA, NHS, police, military, social services etc.
These institutions will all be operating under the appropriate protocol.

I don't understand how if the Cobra meeting resulted in the DfE telling schools they've got to stay open, people are suggesting that at the other end of the scale more old people will die. The same importance should be attached to both so I'm assuming the country will cope with a few days of excessive heat. Everyone has been made aware.

This is the PM being snarky, isn't it? 'If they think they can manage without me (mighty brain) they can just get on with it'.

On the subject of schools staying open, I remember when I was at school (1959) and it was scorchio, we had lessons from 8am to 11am and again from 5pm to 8pm. Siesta in between.

Totally agree Baggs,the social services in my area are about as much use as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest.
I know to my horrendous expericnce and having scars from being stabbed that what i say 100%.
As well as being pushed down the stairs etc.