ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Boris Johnson Warns Public Against 'Impatience' As He Returns To Work

Boris Johnson Warns Public Against 'Impatience' As He Returns To Work

The UK's Prime Minister made a statement from the podium set up outside Number 10

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a statement outside 10 Downing Street to mark his return to work.

As the country enters its sixth week in lockdown, the 55-year-old urged people to 'keep going', saying: "I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety."

He added: "We must also recognise the risk of a second spike.

"That would be not only a new wave - of death, of a disease - but also an economic disaster and we would be forced once again to slam on the brakes across the whole country and the whole economy.

"I know it is tough and I want to get this economy moving as fast as I can, but I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people, and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life, and the overwhelming of the NHS.

"I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering, we have so nearly succeeded."

Outside Downing Street on his first day back.
BBC

Earlier in the statement Johnson apologised for being away from his desk 'for much longer' than he would've liked, but thanked everyone including the First Secretary of State Dominic Raab.

He continued: "But once again I want to thank you, the people of this country, for the sheer grit and guts you have shown and are continuing to show.

"Every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land and it is still true that this is the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war."

He went on to outline the progress that the country is making with fewer hospital admissions and Covid-19 patients being treated in intensive care units.

Concluding the statement he said: "If we can show the same spirit of unity and determination as we have all shown in the past six weeks then I have absolutely no doubt that we will beat it together.

"We will come through this all the faster and the United Kingdom will emerge stronger than ever before."

Boris Johnson sent a message out after he has been discharged from hospital.
Twitter/@borisjohnson

A month ago, Johnson was diagnosed with the coronavirus, confirming the news with a video updating the public on his condition.

The post read: "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.

"I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this."

The set up outside Downing Street.
BBC

Then he was taken to hospital where he ended up being treated in intensive care after contracting the deadly disease.

Two weeks ago he was discharged from hospital but it was confirmed he wouldn't be returning to work immediately and would be recuperating at his country home.

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: uk news, Coronavirus, Boris Johnson, politics