London: A public inquiry into the UK’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s slow response, lack of seriousness, and chaotic leadership contributed to the deaths of up to 23,000 people who may otherwise have survived.
The inquiry report, published on Thursday, states that while the pandemic claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 people across the UK, a significant portion of these deaths could have been prevented with timely action and clear decision-making.
Delay in Rules and Mismanagement
According to the findings, the delay in implementing restrictions and the failure to enforce public health rules allowed the virus to spread rapidly. The report highlights that the government acted late, inconsistently, and without proper coordination, describing the working environment as “toxic and disorganised.”
Experts reviewing the government’s response said that critical time was wasted debating other political priorities instead of responding to a growing public health emergency.
Serious Allegations Against Johnson
Johnson’s leadership during the crisis has come under sharp criticism. Incidents such as lockdown-breaking gatherings at Downing Street, and Johnson himself travelling outside London despite restrictions, sent a “damaging and confusing message” to the public, the report notes.
The role of Johnson’s former adviser Dominic Cummings has also been questioned, particularly his involvement in decisions and messaging during the pandemic.
Ironically, it was Johnson who had announced this formal investigation in May 2021.
Inquiry Chair Criticises Leadership
Inquiry chair, former judge Heather Hallett, said that Johnson failed to understand the severity of the threat posed by COVID-19 in early 2020. At a time when action and planning were critical, the government was heavily preoccupied with Brexit-related political matters, she added.
“When the first national lockdown was finally announced on 23 March 2020, the delay had already caused irreversible damage,” Hallett said.
Lockdown Should Have Been Earlier
The inquiry also highlighted a lack of coordination between the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Experts estimated that had the government implemented lockdown measures as early as 16 March 2020, and enforced them strictly, up to 23,000 lives could have been saved.
The delay not only resulted in a high death toll but also forced the country into multiple future lockdowns due to the rapid spread of infection.