Coronavirus press conference: how to ask questions at the next government media briefing

Boris Johnson held the first daily press conferences before testing positive for coronavirus (Getty Images)Boris Johnson held the first daily press conferences before testing positive for coronavirus (Getty Images)
Boris Johnson held the first daily press conferences before testing positive for coronavirus (Getty Images) | Getty Images
Members of the public are being invited to pitch questions to cabinet minister and medical experts at the government’s daily coronavirus press conference

The government will answer one question from a member of the public at each coronavirus daily press briefing, it has been revealed.

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The daily press conferences have been in place since March 16 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Taking place at 5pm on weekdays and 2.30pm on weekend the briefings are typically chaired by a cabinet minister or the Prime Minister.

They were introduced in response to calls for improved communication from the government on their plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19, and give the nation the latest updates on the pandemic.

How do I pitch a question for the daily press briefing?

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Members of the public can pitch their questions at gov.uk/ask. You will be asked to provide your name, address, email address and phone number.

Questions will be reviewed at 12pm everyday so make sure you get your question in well before that deadline.

If successful you will be contacted around 3pm and asked if you would be willing to record a video of yourself asking the question. Alternatively the question can be asked on your behalf.

Is there any criteria that a questioner must fulfil?

Those who ask a question must be over 18 and live in the UK

Who selects the question?

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The questions are selected by an independent polling organisation and not the government.

Government ministers and medical experts will not hear the questions until it is asked at the daily press conference.

What topics are covered at the daily press briefings?

In recent weeks the issues of PPE shortages, testing shortfalls facemask usage and a lockdown exit strategy have been regular topics at the daily press briefings.

Government responses have regularly cited the desire to be guided by science.