Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was criticized by a public inquiry for a delayed response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to approximately 23,000 additional deaths in the UK. The inquiry highlighted a chaotic and indecisive approach by Johnson’s government, with the report emphasizing a toxic culture at the heart of the administration during the crisis.
The UK recorded over 230,000 COVID-19 deaths, comparable to rates in the US and Italy but higher than other Western European countries. The inquiry, initiated by Johnson in May 2021, condemned his leadership, the breach of government rules by his office, and the actions of his top adviser, Dominic Cummings.
Former judge Heather Hallett, chair of the inquiry, stated that Johnson failed to grasp the severity of the pandemic early on, being preoccupied with other governmental matters such as Brexit negotiations. The report criticized Johnson for not recognizing the urgency of the situation and failing to provide effective leadership.
According to the inquiry, had the UK implemented a lockdown a week earlier on March 16, as recommended by evidence, around 23,000 deaths in the initial wave up to July could have been prevented. The report also highlighted a pattern of delayed decision-making by Johnson, resulting in additional national lockdowns as cases surged later in the year.
