England's chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, had reportedly been ambivalent about the need for [a facemask policy]. Following its introduction in Scotland, Mr Johnson posted in a WhatsApp group asking whether UK government would need to change its stance.

Downing Street's director of communications, Lee Cain, warned that "nervous parents would freak out" if Scotland's example was not followed, while Sir Chris said there were no strong reasons for or against the policy, and that the issue was "not worth an argument".

A change in the government's policy was announced that night.

Absolutely pathetic. When can the English vote for independence from Scotland?