Boris Johnson calls Donald Trump and will speak to the Queen this week as he gets back to work after coronavirus battle

BORIS Johnson spoke with Donald Trump today and will have a call with the Queen later this week, as he begins to get back to work after his coronavirus battle.

No10 stressed today the PM was still not doing any official Government work, but is getting daily updates from his team.

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He is still recovering from his illness at his country retreat of Chequers, following a week’s stay in hospital.

No10 said today: “He has spoken with the First Secretary of State and senior members of his team.

“Later this week the PM is expected to have an audience with her Majesty the Queen.”

The call will be the first time the pair have spoken in around three weeks, but will be over the phone and not in person.

President Trump and Boris discussed the ongoing outbreak this afternoon.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, and thanked him for his good wishes while he was unwell.

“The leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus, including through the G7 – which the US currently chairs.

“They also discussed continued UK-US cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.

“The leaders committed to continue working together to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible.”

But Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, Dominic Raab, is continuing to lead Government work.

He will stand in for the PM tomorrow at Prime Ministers’ Questions, and will chair Cabinet on Thursday.

No10 have refused to give a date when Boris could be back in full-time work, but it could be as early as next week.

Downing Street added: “When the PM does return to work he will be guided by the advice of his medical team.

“He is receiving updates on coronavirus and receiving some calls.”

Earlier this week Melania Trump called Carrie Symonds to send her best wishes while the pair remain at Chequers.

Meanwhile, Tory sources claim the PM is now resisting calls to end the lockdown early because of his own personal battle with the virus.

A Conservative MP told The Times that fighting for his life in intensive care had changed the Prime Minister.

They said: “The Prime Minister is in a funny place, I think he’s quite frightened.

“His illness and the warning from the doctors has really hit him hard.

“To find himself floored like this has got into his head.

“He has become really tentative.”

It comes amid a Cabinet divide over whether to end the lockdown to early to avoid a second wave, or lift it to try and avoid a bigger economic crisis.

Mr Johnson had stressed back in March he expected the country to be able to “turn the tide” in 12 weeks.

Now recovering at Chequers after being released from hospital a week ago, the PM is considered one of the “doves” who oppose lifting lockdown early.

He is joined by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who also contracted the virus.