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Prime ministers

Boris Johnson Returns to Work as Prime Minister, Vows Cooperation with Trump on Coronavirus and Trade

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Boris Johnson's return to work after a three-week absence due to COVID-19 has been confirmed, with the Prime Minister expected to resume his regular audiences with the Queen and take back control from his stand-in Dominic Raab. Johnson spoke with US President Donald Trump on the phone, reaffirming their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need. The conversation has sparked hope that Johnson is making a full recovery and may return to Number 10 next week.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boris Johnson has spoken with US President Donald Trump on the phone, reaffirming their close cooperation on coronavirus and trade.
  • The Prime Minister is expected to resume his regular audiences with the Queen and take back control from his stand-in Dominic Raab.
  • Johnson has been increasing his workload every day, with his spokesman confirming he is receiving updates and making calls from Chequers.
  • The Prime Minister will speak to the Queen by telephone later this week, resuming his weekly audiences for the first time since he fell ill.
  • Carrie Symonds, Johnson's fiancee, has called for a ban on China's wet markets in the wake of the coronavirus crisis to prevent a future pandemic.
  • The couple has signed a petition calling for an end to the global wildlife trade, joined by environment minister Lord Goldsmith and former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

Statistics:

  • 3 weeks: The length of time Boris Johnson has been absent from work due to COVID-19.
  • 1 week: The expected timeframe for Johnson's return to Number 10.
  • 2 hours: The duration of Johnson's meeting with Dominic Raab last Friday.
  • 1 market: The Wuhan wet market where the coronavirus is believed to have been transmitted to humans at.
  • 1 petition: The global wildlife trade petition signed by Johnson and his fiancee, which has also been supported by Lord Goldsmith and Kevin Pietersen.

Sources:

  • The White House, "President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson Reaffirm Their Close Cooperation" (no date)
  • The Prime Minister's spokesman, as quoted in The Daily Telegraph (no date)
  • The Daily Telegraph, "Boris Johnson returns to work after three-week absence" (no date)
  • Twitter, Boris Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds, account (@carriesymonds) (May 5, 2020)
  • The Guardian, "Carrie Symonds calls for ban on 'wet markets' as blame game shifts to China" (May 5, 2020)

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