British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care on Monday after his coronavirus symptoms worsened. In the interim, Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputize, Downing Street said.
Below are early reactions to the news:
Royal Reaction
Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth had been kept informed by Downing Street.
China
Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, tweeted “our thoughts are with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Let’s hope and pray that he will get well soon.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron gave his “full support to Boris Johnson, his family and the British people at this difficult time. I hope he will rapidly overcome this ordeal,” in a tweet.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian earlier told BFMTV: “I know his strength, I am convinced he will draw from his resources, which are great, the capacity to overcome this ordeal. It’s also symbolic of the seriousness of this crisis, which affects everyone.”
The United States
U.S. President Donald Trump said he wanted to “send best wishes to a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”
“We’re very saddened to hear he was taken into intensive care this afternoon, a little while ago. Americans are all praying for his recovery,” Trump told a press conference.
“We’ll see if we can be of help. We’ve contacted all of Boris’ doctors and we’ll see what is going to take place. But they are ready to go.”
Ivanka Trump, advisor to her father President Trump, said “My thoughts and prayers are with Boris Johnson and his family. Godspeed Mr Prime Minister!”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: “My solidarity and wishes for a speedy recovery for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. These are difficult days for our countries, but it is through strength and unity that we can win this battle.”
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted in English that “the Italian people is with the UK in these difficult times. We are one for each other. Get well soon Boris Johnson!”
Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio tweeted in English that “the Italian people is with the UK in these difficult times. We are one for each other. Get well soon Boris Johnson!”
WHO
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “thinking of my friend Boris Johnson tonight, and sending my and WHO’s heartfelt good wishes as he battles the coronavirus. I know the NHS and its dedicated health workers will be looking after you,” he tweeted.
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose wife tested positive last month, wished Johnson a full and speedy recovery. “My thoughts are with you and your family right now. Hope to see you back at Number 10 soon,” he tweeted.
The European Union
The European Union’s top officials all sent public messages wishing Johnson a “full recovery.” “My thoughts are with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his family this evening,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted.
European Council President Charles Michel expressed a similar sentiment, tweeting: “Get well soon, Boris.”
The EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who is recovering in quarantine after also testing positive, tweeted that “my thoughts are with you and your family.”
The best wishes from the European Union’s top officials underlined the setting aside of political tussling after Johnson took Britain out of the bloc in January.
British politicians
Keir Starmer, leader of UK’s main opposition Labour Party wrote “Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Rishi Sunak, British finance minister wrote “My thoughts tonight are with Boris Johnson and (his fiancée) Carrie Symonds. I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger.”
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote, “Thinking of Boris Johnson and his family tonight. Get well soon. You are in great hands and we all want you safe, well and back in 10 Downing Street.”
Former British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with Boris Johnson and his family as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.”
Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle wrote, “This is terrible news. I know the thoughts and prayers of everyone across the House are with the Prime Minister and his family right now. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote, “Praying for the Prime Minister’s swift recovery tonight. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS has some of the finest medical staff in the world, and he couldn’t be in safer hands.”
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister wrote “My thoughts are with the PM and his family – sending him every good wish.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby wrote “The news that our Prime Minister has been moved to intensive care deepens our compassion for all who are seriously ill and for those caring for them. I invite all people of faith to join me in praying for Boris Johnson and his loved ones.”
The Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that “on behalf of the Dutch cabinet, I wish Boris Johnson, his family and the British people lots of strength during this difficult time.” “I hope to be able to speak to him soon in good health,” Rutte tweeted.
NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said his thoughts are with his friend. “Lots of strength, Boris, and get well soon!” he tweeted.
Poland
President Andrzej Duda tweeted: “My thoughts are with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his family at this testing time. I wish him a full and swift recovery.”
Czech Republic
Czech President Milos Zeman tweeted: “I wish you strength and endurance in your fight with the disease to overcome it and win over it.”
(Source: CGTN with inputs from AFP, Reuters)
