UK Prime Minister | TV News Coverage

Prime Minister Coverage Only

I’ve added a new thread for this subject only, as the main thread was getting a bit big.

There are some telling signs emerging from today’s news coverage which would suggest that the condition of the Prime Minister is perhaps very serious.

Whilst it’s understandable that Downing Street doesn’t want to cause alarm, and neither do I here, but there would seem to be a lack of transparency in some of today’s questioning.

When asked specifically if the PM has pneumonia, the spokesperson wouldn’t be drawn on the matter. A yes or a no answer is best.

When asked about the PM’s condition this morning upon entering number 10, Dominic Raab completely ignored the presence of all media (didn’t look in their direction at all).

And, upon reflection, Matt Hancock was quite vague when answering questions about the PM during recent 5pm daily briefings.

Let’s hope the PM is now safe and gets the rest he needs to be back on top soon. (Regardless of our politics - and I’m not a Boris fan - now is a time for solid and healthy leadership).

But, from a tv news coverage perspective, a question that must surely be placed at today’s press briefing: is the Prime Minister considered to be at risk?

Notably, all of the international news channels I’ve seen today and those here in my region (Middle East) are leading with the story.

Get well soon, PM.

One of those situations where they clearly don’t want to release too much info, but journalists keep trying to dig and get more.

Glad most people seem to be adopting the grown-up attitude of wishing him well.

There is absolutely no need for the public to be given the exact details of his condition at this time.

I think there's a balance to be struck.

I am not suggesting that his medical history be made public or that any test be live-streamed on twitch.... but the public has a reasonable expectation to be kept somewhat in the loop as to whether or not their leader is currently in a position to lead them through a national emergency.

Exact details, no, that's personal - but a broad sense of the current state of his health, yes.

Journalists are right to press for more information and spokespeople are within their rights to try and keep them at arm's length.

Regardless of one might think of Mr Johnson or impressions they have of him from his behaviour in some circumstances (such as getting stuck on zipwires, writing certain claims on the side of red buses and hiding in fridges), its surely not right to want somebody, anybody, to come down with anything even if its as serious as Coronavirus.

Do you mean that as a general comment? I'm not seeing anything in this thread that would even hint at anybody wishing that the PM come to any harm.

Did I mention it was in regards to anything said in this thread?

Yours is the first reference to anybody wishing the PM any ill in this thread, but you don't explain in what context the comment is meant. I was seeking clarification. That is all.

As you chose to respond to my question with a question, instead of offering any clarity, I suppose I should just choose to take it that you did mean it as a general comment and move on cheerfully.

I think he’s listed what he thinks the “telling signs” are. In the rest of his post.

I really don’t think there is too much point of reading much into anything, as although they have more information they are still in the dark as to what the exact outcome will be.

And that those treating him at the moment have better things to do than be updating the press on his condition.