IAN Blackford is demanding that Boris Johnson makes a priority of "clamping down" on the conflicting messages that have been coming from his Government.

The SNP's Westminster leader made the plea as the Prime Minister prepares to return after an absence following his hospitalisation from coronavirus.

The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said: “We all wish the Prime Minister well after recovering from this dreadful illness. I hope his strength has fully returned because he needs to hit the ground running.

“His stand-in Dominic Raab talks about the necessity of his five tests being met before considering relaxing lockdown measures. Yet it’s abundantly clear fellow Tories are encouraging specific business sectors to open up regardless.

“The mixed messages emanating from this Government are increasingly worrying.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon could ask to close border if UK ends lockdown prematurely

“The British public has been exceptional in consenting to the very difficult social distancing measures up to now and these shady background briefings are causing confusion.

“Everyone is mindful of the economic crisis running in parallel with this public health crisis and the urgency to protect the country from long-term economic damage.

“But any decision on when and how to transition to more relaxed social distancing measures must not be driven by party or personal interests.

“As we consider how we manage the economic recovery, profits simply cannot be put before the public imperative to protect our NHS and save lives.

“Boris Johnson should follow the lead set by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is engaging with the people of Scotland in a grown-up conversation about how we adapt and build a new normal way of life.

“It’s time Boris Johnson started being open and transparent with the whole of Britain by publishing their plan on how we can transition out of lockdown.”

READ MORE: FM: Scotland should consider social and economic reform after virus

His comments come as the SNP additionally called for more transparency from the UK Government over its handling of the crisis, after it became apparent that Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings has been attending meetings of a top scientific advisory group.

Ben Warner, a data scientist who worked with Cummings on the Vote Leave campaign in the Brexit referendum, had also been present at Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) meetings.

It had been reported that Cummings and Warner were both Sage members - but this was denied by Downing Street, who said they had attended the meetings to better understand the science involved and how it could inform government decision making.