SOME 25,000 Brits were killed by Covid because Boris Johnson delayed the latest lockdown, experts have said.
The Resolution Foundation blasted the PM for dithering just when the super-infectious Kent coronavirus strain was ripping through Britain.
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Mr Johnson’s delays also meant lockdown ended up having to be longer, meaning Britain’s economy took the biggest battering of the whole G7, the think-tank added.
Mike Brewer, of the Foundation, said: “Going timidly and late on lockdowns has been a disaster, causing many thousands of avoidable deaths.”
He added: “The strategy of going big, bold and early has clearly paid off.
“Furthermore, delays to restrictions have meant them needing to be tougher and longer-lasting than in other countries, thereby worsening the economic damage.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has touched everyone, but lower-income families have borne the brunt of the crisis in terms of their lives and livelihoods.
“This shouldn’t be forgotten as we look to rebuild post-pandemic Britain.”
The report praised the successes of the vaccines programme and furlough scheme.