Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the nation following Commons statement
Posted on September 2020 By Aaron Liffen

Boris Johnson addressed the nation in an evening speech from Downing Street after announcing new restrictions for England during today's Commons statement. His speech outlines the importance of measures announced earlier today in the UK's fight against the worldwide pandemic.
Key points from the PM's speech:
First, the prime minister pays tribute to "every person we have lost" and promises "we grieve with their families". He promises "this is a struggle that humanity will win" but adds action is needed "now". Despite Britons having "pulled together in a spirit of national sacrifice and community", there have been "too many breaches" of the rules.
Mr Johnson uses the next bit of his address to outline all the changes coming into force that he revealed earlier in the House of Commons. Pubs and bars will be forced to close early and offer table services only, and businesses that are not COVID-secure will have to close.
As mentioned in today's Commons statement the use of face coverings will be expanded – with fines for those who fail to comply.
The PM reiterates that office workers are being asked to work from home if possible.
The tragic reality of having COVID is that your mild cough can be someone else’s death knell,” Mr Johnson continues. “And as for the suggestion that we should simply lock up the elderly and the vulnerable – with all the suffering that would entail – I must tell you that this is just not realistic. “Because if you let the virus rip through the rest of the population it would inevitably find its way through to the elderly as well, and in much greater numbers.”
Mr Johnson adds for “the minority who may continue to flout the rules”, fines are rising to £10,0000 – with more police on the streets and the army called if necessary to backfill.
The UK is better prepared now and if people follow the rules then "I know we can succeed", Mr Johnson continues. “And though our doctors and our medical advisers are rightly worried about the data now, and the risks over winter, they are unanimous that things will be far better by the spring.” he adds.
New measures have been brought in across the UK, with Mr Johnson warning rules could last for up to six months.
His parting message is this: "If we follow these simple rules together, we will get through this winter together. There are unquestionably difficult months to come. "And the fight against COVID is by no means over. "I have no doubt, however, that there are great days ahead. "But now is the time for us all to summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through."
Read the full changes to nationwide restrictions announced during the PM's Commons statement today here
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