A scathing verdict from the Covid-19 Inquiry has criticized Boris Johnson’s pandemic response, attributing it to a significant loss of lives. The inquiry, led by Baroness Heather Hallett, highlighted the government’s delayed implementation of restrictions, leading to avoidable deaths and necessitating full lockdowns. The report stated that a toxic culture at the heart of the government, overseen by Johnson and his chief adviser Dominic Cummings, failed to promptly address rule-breaking, resulting in public non-compliance with lockdown measures.
Baroness Hallett pointed out that over 230,000 lives were lost due to the virus, with decisions made during the pandemic exacerbating the devastating consequences. The report highlighted how the government’s inaction and slow response contributed to the severity of the crisis. It also criticized the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for underestimating the initial threat.
The inquiry found that the first lockdown might have been avoided had restrictions been implemented earlier, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach. It also criticized Johnson’s handling of the crisis, citing his failure to appreciate the urgency of the situation and his reluctance to heed expert advice on implementing stricter measures.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the detrimental impact of events like “Partygate” on public compliance with restrictions, with Johnson and other officials being fined for breaching Covid rules. The scandal eroded public trust and compliance, as evidenced by a YouGov survey showing a significant portion of the population citing government misconduct as a reason for non-compliance during Christmas 2021.
In conclusion, the report underscored the need for accountability and adherence to rules by those in power to maintain public trust and ensure effective pandemic response. It also criticized the government’s handling of key initiatives like the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which was deemed to have compromised public health messaging and contributed to the spread of the virus.