The Tier System "Did Not Work," Admits Johnson
During his second day at the Covid Inquiry in West London, Boris Johnson defended his decision to implement tiered lockdowns in the UK. However, he conceded that the tier system "did not work." Despite this, Johnson expressed his desire to continue with a regional approach rather than opting for a national "circuit breaker" lockdown. He argued that the disease was unevenly spread across the country, with certain areas barely affected. Johnson maintained that the government's strategy aimed to reflect the geography of the outbreak.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme "Was Not a Gamble," Says Johnson
Johnson also staunchly defended the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, stating that it was not a gamble at the time. He expressed his surprise at the suggestion that Britain's chief scientist, Sir Patrick Vallance, and Sir Chris Whitty were not aware of the scheme. Johnson emphasized that he did not believe the scheme triggered a spike in infections. He stated that it was not presented to him as something that would add to the budget of risk.
Johnson Denies "Letting Covid Rip" Through Population
Boris Johnson refuted claims that he wanted to "let Covid rip" through the population. He responded to a diary extract from Sir Patrick Vallance in May 2021, where Vallance mentioned a conversation with then-chancellor Rishi Sunak about letting the virus spread. Johnson stated that the implication drawn from those conversations was completely wrong and that his position was always focused on saving human life at all ages.
