During a visit to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) on Tuesday 13th August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson managed to successfully avoid protesters who congregated in two locations outside the Old Medical School. 

The Prime Minister was rumoured to be arriving at the hospital at 10:30am. However he was already in the building by this time with protesters, approximately 30 despite the lack of publicity of the event, waiting outside for his departure. Security staff were reportedly not informed it was the Prime Minister visiting until fifteen minutes before.

Protesting about issues like funding for the NHS, several protesters chanted and held signs as the Prime Minister’s motorcade passed without being stopped. 

Johnson was not seen by those outside the building as his motorcade sought to block the view from protesters and the press by positioning the vehicles closer to the building.

The visit comes after announcements in recent weeks from the government promising more funding for new buildings and equipment, a plan to sort out doctors’ pension tax issues and a new artificial intelligence lab. The Prime Minister has also said it is his ‘mission’ to tackle other issues such as wait times for both GP appointments and A&E. 

The Ministry of Justice also announced today an extra £100 million in funding for prisons to help deal with a rise in crime in England and Wales. The Prime Minister is reportedly visiting HM Armley Prison later today in conjunction with this.

It was also reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post that Johnson had visited a reception attended by local Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns and local business owners.

The Gryphon has reached out to LGI and the No.10 Press Office for comment. LGI declined as a result of the visit being private.