SENIOR UK Government figures have “fears” about the First Minister’s frequent televised Covid-19 briefings, according to reports.
As it emerged the Prime Minister had told his Cabinet ministers to visit Scotland more often in efforts to win over voters who are increasingly supportive of independence and the SNP, there were also reports that senior Tory figures are unhappy with Scottish Government briefings airing on the BBC several times a week long after Downing Street’s often conferences ended.
Number 10 decided to stop airing daily briefings on coronavirus a month ago. The Prime Minister rarely appeared at those briefings, while Nicola Sturgeon has consistently led the Scottish conferences.
Scottish Tories have called on the BBC to stop broadcasting Sturgeon’s briefings in recent weeks, claiming they are equivalent to party-political advertisements.
MSP Murdo Fraser said it was “absolute nonsense” that BBC Scotland continues to broadcast the sessions, which have been temporarily scaled back. Until last week they had been aired from Monday-Friday, but will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only for the next fortnight.
Scottish Government figures have rejected claims that the briefings are like party political broadcasts, with Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Had no idea [Scottish Tories] thought it ‘absolute nonsense’ for the Government of Scotland to speak directly to the people we are accountable to. Wow.”
READ MORE: Furious Tories demand Nicola Sturgeon's daily briefings stop
According to the Mail, senior UK Government figures expressed their concerns about the First Minister’s BBC coverage ahead of Johnson’s planned trip to Scotland tomorrow.
As polls show support for independence sitting at around 54%, and huge boosts for Sturgeon’s approval ratings, Tory ministers are apparently in “panic mode”.
On his visit to Scotland, the Prime Minister is expected to urge voters to stick with the Union by promising economic support.
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