More U-turns from Boris Johnson are likely as Priti Patel’s hardline stance clashes with the mood of the nation

The prime minister needs to move more quickly if he is to claim the mantle of a listening PM in tune with the desires of the people, writes Andrew Grice

Priti Patel is stuck in the old groove of headline-grabbing crackdowns (PRU/AFP/Getty)

Boris Johnson’s two U-turns in two days over conditions for NHS and social care workers are welcome, but they highlight the risk to his government of being dangerously out of touch with the country’s new mood.

First, Johnson included the families of care and NHS cleaner and porters in a bereavement scheme granting indefinite leave to remain in the UK to those of NHS workers who die from coronavirus. He hoped that would forestall demands to exempt foreign health and care workers from the £400-a-head surcharge for migrants who use the NHS, which was due to rise to £624 in October. But pressure for a rethink was rising after The Independent revealed the government’s hardline stance, and the concession made no difference.

Johnson’s spectacular volte face came just 24 hours after he doubled down on the controversial surcharge when Keir Starmer raised it at prime minister’s questions. The retreat was a coup for Starmer. It is not always obvious what bullets to fire at PMQs. A skilful opposition leader will stir up trouble on the government benches, and Starmer certainly did.