Boris Johnson to Defend Covid-19 Decisions at Inquiry: Claims He Got "Big Calls Right"

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to face questioning at the Covid-19 inquiry today regarding the delay in implementing the first lockdown. Despite admitting to making mistakes, Johnson will emphasize that he made several correct decisions during the pandemic. The inquiry will examine the choices he made in early 2020 over the course of his two-day appearance.

Focus on Vaccine Roll-out Success

One of the decisions Johnson will highlight is the successful roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine program. In December 2020, the UK became the first country to administer a Covid-19 vaccine after receiving emergency authorization from British regulators. Johnson is expected to emphasize this achievement as evidence of his government's effective response to the pandemic.

Consideration of Timing and Implications

When it came to the timing of the first lockdown, Johnson faced various challenges and considerations. He was warned about the potential impact on schoolchildren, the economic repercussions, and the mental health implications. Chief medical adviser Sir Chris Whitty stressed the importance of finding the right timing during an emergency Cobra meeting on March 9, 2020. Whitty stated that going too early could lead to public fatigue, making it difficult to sustain restrictions over time. Johnson is expected to acknowledge these concerns and the difficult balancing act his government faced.

Admission of Mistakes and Saving Lives

While Johnson is expected to admit to a range of mistakes made by his ministers, he will also argue that decisions made by Whitehall ultimately saved lives. The former Prime Minister is set to issue an unreserved apology during his appearance at the inquiry, taking responsibility for the government's missteps.

Addressing Controversial Claims

Johnson will also address controversial claims made by his former aide Dominic Cummings. Cummings alleged that Johnson asked scientists about using a "special hair dryer" to destroy the virus and made the comment that he would rather "let the bodies pile high" than impose further restrictions on the economy. These claims will be directly addressed by Johnson during the inquiry.

The Covid-19 inquiry will provide an opportunity for Johnson to defend his government's actions and provide insight into the decision-making process during the early stages of the pandemic.