Comments by UK PM spokesman, James Slack

  • Johnson was stable overnight and remains in good spirits
  • Johnson is not on ventilator, is receiving oxygen
  • Government has a clear plan to respond to coronavirus
  • Cabinet is working to implement it
  • Downing Street remains fully operational
  • Expects there to be an update on Johnson's condition later today

The headlines have helped to give the pound a little nudge with cable rising to a high of 1.2358 before backing off a little to 1.2330 levels currently. So far, they are managing to alleviate fears surrounding Johnson's hospitalisation and that is helping to calm the market.