Boris Johnson to Acknowledge Mistakes in COVID Handling During Inquiry: Report
LONDON- In an upcoming Covid inquiry, Boris Johnson is expected to admit to making mistakes in handling the pandemic, reported British media. However, he will argue that the timing of the lockdowns he imposed saved “tens if not hundreds of thousands of lives.” The former prime minister is set to emphasize that without these measures, the health service would have been overwhelmed, resulting in “miserable and unnecessary deaths.”
Criticism from former cabinet colleagues and advisors has been leveled at Johnson’s management. Former chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance claimed Johnson was often “bamboozled” by scientific research. Sajid Javid described Downing Street as “dysfunctional,” effectively run by Dominic Cummings.
Johnson is likely to acknowledge government complacency in the early days of the virus, comparing it to milder outbreaks like BSE, Sars, and bird flu. While Cummings accused Johnson of distraction and taking a holiday, Johnson is expected to deny these claims. He will also face questions about missing emergency meetings before the first lockdown.
Although criticism extends beyond Johnson, he reportedly plans to support Matt Hancock, stating that the ex-health secretary did a “good job in very difficult circumstances.” Johnson will also defend the “eat out to help out” scheme and contradict testimony from Prof Chris Whitty and Vallance, asserting proper discussions took place.
The former prime minister will address the UK‘s obesity problem, claiming it complicated pandemic management. Johnson is also likely to face questions about the Downing Street parties, which led to his exit from high office. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to give evidence in person before Christmas.
