THE Prime Minister is facing questions over his whereabouts after making few public appearances since last week's PMQs.
#WhereIsJohnson trended on Twitter this morning amid rumours he could miss this week’s PMQs session, and growing anger over his government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Yesterday a YouGov poll found the UK Government’s disapproval rating has risen above its approval rating for the first time since the beginning of the crisis.
According to the survey 42% disapprove of the UK Government’s approach, while 39% approve. The change comes after Johnson changed England’s lockdown strategy and “actively encouraged” those who couldn’t do their job from home to return to work.
His silence also comes after the ONS revealed the UK’s coronavirus death toll is closer to 44,000 than the official government figure of 35,000.
Johnson’s disappearance provoked anger online with many feeling frustrated by his absence.
Twitter user Kate Wilton posted: “MPs shouldn’t be having 2 weeks off in middle of a pandemic. Pointing out the bleeding obvious. Their actions have resulted in tens of thousands of grieving families and they’re literally running away from responsibility. Also where is the Great Pretender? #WhereIsJohnson”
MPs shouldn’t be having 2 weeks off in middle of a pandemic. Pointing out the bleeding obvious. Their actions have resulted in tens of thousands of grieving families and they’re literally running away from responsibility. Also where is the Great Pretender? #WhereIsJohnson
— Kate Wilton (@KateWilton1) May 20, 2020
And Helen Mallam wrote: “Don’t feel like going to work this week? Can’t be bothered to prepare for your big meeting? Nominate a nice old guy for a knighthood and distract everyone. #WhereIsJohnson”
Don’t feel like going to work this week? Can’t be bothered to prepare for your big meeting? Nominate a nice old guy for a knighthood and distract everyone.#WhereIsJohnson
— Helen the Zen 🏴 (@helenmallam) May 20, 2020
The social media user’s comment came as Colonel Tom Moore, who raised millions of pounds for the NHS by walking around his garden, received a knighthood this morning.
Others felt Johnson was avoiding Labour leader Keir Starmer, who has given the Tory leader a forensic grilling on care homes deaths, testing numbers, the test and trace scheme and more.
With the House of Commons much more empty than usual due to social distancing measures, Johnson hasn’t had the whooping and hollering of his party members to cheer him on when faced with a difficult question.
Appearing at PMQs is a duty not a 'special guest appearance' #WhereIsJohnson
— 🔶Jonathan Banks🔶 Parliamentary spokes RNP (@Jonathan_MBanks) May 20, 2020
But Twitter users were on hand to remind the Prime Minister that taking part in PMQs is a duty. Jonathan Banks posted: “Appearing at PMQs is a duty not a 'special guest appearance'.”
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