The National:

THE “get Brexit done” government prides itself on the supposed strength of its slogans.

But at a time when messaging is a life or death matter, Downing Street has failed utterly.

As he prepares to outline his plans to ease lockdown restrictions, Boris Johnson is dropping the "stay at home" slogan.

In its place is a farcically ambiguous – and frankly meaningless – message: "Stay alert, control the virus and save lives.”

Predictably, devolved administrations were not consulted on the change.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already said that Scotland will not be adopting the message, while Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the “stay at home” advice still applies.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland won't adopt Boris Johnson's new Covid-19 slogan

Reactions to Downing Street’s new slogan were not particularly complimentary.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford tweeted: “What kind of buffoon thinks of this kind of nonsense. It is an invisible threat. Staying alert is not the answer #StayHomeSaveLives is.”

Party colleague Amy Callaghan was similarly impressed.

Football broadcaster and Sunday National columnist Michael Stewart added: “That is just about the worst messaging I think anyone has ever come up with. Are the UK Gov deliberately trying to confuse people?”

Broadcaster Paul Lewis highlighted the ambiguity of the slogan.

Journalist Faisal Islam pointed out that even the colour coding was potentially risky.

And it wasn’t long before people got creative with the image…

Asked if there is a danger the message is too woolly, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "Well I hope not.”

He added: "We need to have a broader message because we want to slowly and cautiously restart the economy and the country."

As ever with this Tory government, confusion reigns