The ongoing inquiry into the UK government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed shocking details about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s views.
Notes from former chief scientist Sir Patrick Vallance suggested Johnsn was “obsessed” with older people accepting their fate and the impact of the virus on the economy.
The notes also indicated that Johnson agreed with some Tory MPs who saw COVID as “nature’s way of dealing with old people.”
The inquiry heard that Johnson’s indecisiveness over implementing a circuit-breaker lockdown in September 2020 was influenced by the contrast between scientific advice, public opinion and the position of the Conservative Party.
In addition, texts shared during the session revealed that Johnson was described as “melting down” and going into “Jaws Mode” in the week before the UK’s first national lockdown in March 2020. Despite key government figures agreeing that a lockdown was needed on 14 March, it was not implemented until 10 days later.
The inquiry has highlighted the challenges and internal debates within the government during the early stages of the pandemic. Witnesses, including former government advisers, have expressed concerns about the decision-making process and communication between government officials.
The inquiry is expected to continue examining the government’s response to the pandemic and the factors that influenced key decisions.
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