Boris Johnson: Despite our political differences, I wish him speedy recovery from Covid-19 – Angus Robertson

Coronavirus has already claimed the life of someone I know, Labour peer Jimmy Gordon, who was a lovely man, writes Angus Robertson.

It is now more than ten days since Boris Johnson contracted Covid-19 (Picture: PA)

I’ve had some pretty harsh things to say about the Prime Minister in the past. I have taken exception to many of the things Boris Johnson has said, written and done. I have also questioned his suitability for the job. None of that matters, when measured against the news that he has required hospital treatment to deal with coronavirus.

It is now more than ten days since he contracted Covid-19 and, despite self-isolating, the symptoms have persisted.

We are told that the hospital treatment is a “precautionary step” and he has been undergoing ”routine tests”.

Hopefully this helps him get the appropriate treatment and he gets well as soon as possible. I wish him a speedy recovery. In these testing times his illness reminds us that the virus can reach anyone. Last week coronavirus caused the death of somebody I know. Jimmy Gordon was well known in Scottish public life, having set up Radio Clyde and was a Labour peer. We worked together at Westminster on cross-party projects and he was a lovely man.

Like most other people I was gobsmacked by the holiday home visits of the Chief Medical Officer. How could she advise us one thing and then do differently herself? On another level, it’s a real shame to lose somebody so well thought of by health professionals and government ministers she advised.

The news of the last days makes clear the scale of the life and death challenge that we face from coronavirus, and why we must follow the safety advice to reduce the risks of catching and spreading Covid-19.