Will Johnson’s botched pandemic plan imperil the union?

As Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland decline to use the new Stay Alert messaging from London, the complexities of devolved government in Britain have never been so apparent

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Getty

The coronavirus action plan produced by the British government at the beginning of March was an unusual document – and not just for the sweeping changes that it warned could be on the way for how people lived their lives.

As well as carrying the standard seal of office of the British government, it also featured the emblems of the devolved Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations.

After four years of infighting, squabbling and mistrust ...