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Andrew Neil has hit out at Downing Street's daily coronavirus briefing and accused the Government of pushing a Tory agenda. Responding to today's press conference, led by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, the BBC journalist accused the minister of delivering a "banal speech". Others have agreed the press conferences are nothing more than "Tory propaganda".

Mr Neil wrote on Twitter: "What exactly is the purpose of this press conference other than allowing a Tory minister to deliver a banal speech on network tv." In a second tweet, he added: "It’s like a speech to the Tory party conference — without the mandatory standing ovation." Many social media users agreed with his remarks. When responding to someone who pointed out the public asked for the daily briefings, one person said: "I don't remember anyone demanding a series of banal and self valedictory speeches from Government ministers!" Please sign up to pledge your support now to our brave NHS Heroes

Andrew Neil has criticised the Government's daily coronavirus briefings

Andrew Neil accused Robert Jenrick of giving a 'banal speech'

Another user wrote: "It's shockingly bad. "They don't address the main topics that people care about and don't answer any of the questions, many of which are unanswerable. Need Parliament back ASAP!" A third simply branded the briefings as "Tory propaganda show". They wrote: "It is the daily Tory party propaganda show and I for one have had enough of it. JUST IN: Captain Tom Moore to get special honour for NHS fundraising

Robert Jenrick led today's daily coronavirus press briefing

The Government rotates who gives the daily press briefing

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One person said: "Still, at least it's not Labour delivering it. Small mercies and all that." Another person agreed and wrote: "Count your blessings that it isn't Labour standing there!!" In today's briefing Mr Jenrick announced local councils across England will receive an extra £1.6billion in funding. He said the funds will help councils cope with increased pressures caused by the coronavirus crisis in areas including adult social care, children’s services, care for the most vulnerable and waste collection.

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