BBC removes reference to Boris Johnson as ‘leader of England’ from news story

BBC News has removed a reference to Boris Johnson as the “leader of England” from an online story.

The public service news organisation had reported that the new rules on a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions over the Christmas period had been agreed by the “leaders of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland”.

Independence supporters from both Wales and Scotland reacted with glee to the phrasing in the article that they believe is a glimpse into how the nations would be covered by the media following the breakup of the UK.

The article reported that up to three households will be allowed to stay together and form a “Christmas bubble” from 23 to 27 December following meeting between the Welsh, Scottish and UK governments, as well as the Northern Irish executive.

Boris Johnson skipped the key Cobra meeting and was replaced by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove.

Amended

The grassroots pro-independence group YesCymru picked up on the phrasing in the article and posted on Twitter: “That’ll do, @BBCNews. That’ll do”

Llion Rhys said: “BBC preparing for independent future already? Thinking face let’s be honest Boris Johnson couldn’t lead a horse to water!”

SNP and Yes Scotland strategist Ross Colquhoun welcomed the announcement.

He said: “It’s good to see the BBC are already preparing for an independent future.

One comment read: “Just glad to see England’s first minister finally seeing sense in working with Scotland, northern Ireland & Wales.”

The article was later amended to say: “Mr Johnson and the leaders of the devolved administration in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed five days of Christmas rules at a meeting on Tuesday.

YesCymru the reference was removed reacted with disappointment when the reference to the “leaders of England” was removed.

It said: “Thumbs down. It was good while it lasted, @BBCNews”.