Unraveling Boris Johnson's Grilling: Five Surprising Revelations in the Coronavirus Inquiry
Firstly, Boris Johnson's signature disheveled hair was still in sight, seemingly styled with a pillow. Yes, the former prime minister remains faithful to his classic white-blonde 'do, even when under intense scrutiny.
The Boris Johnson on display was far from his usual jovial self. The occasion called for a serious demeanor, and he tried to comply, albeit with some difficulty. Facing the Covid-19 Select Committee Investigation in London, Johnson swore to speak the truth—a challenge for a man known for his fluid understanding of facts.
Launched since June, the inquiry aimed to examine the British government's handling of the Coronavirus pandemic under Johnson's leadership. High-profile witnesses—from scientists and politicians to government employees, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Johnson's top advisor Dominic Cummings—previously testified at length. Despite the mounting anticipation surrounding Cummings and the contentious WhatsApp exchanges, the general public was still eager to learn more about the ex-prime minister during his witness statement.
Unveiled Insights: Unexpected Aspects of Boris Johnson
1. Johnson's Lightheaded Alarm Clock
David Gauke, a fellow Liberal Democrat and Member of Parliament, was surprised to see Johnson arrive at Dorland House in West London three hours ahead of his scheduled hearing start time. Supporters viewed it as a testament to his diligence, eager to prepare for this crucial event. His critics, however, speculated that he was trying to avoid confrontations with the Covid-19 victims' mourners gathered outside.
1. Johnson's Nonresponsive Cell Phone
Lawyer Hugo Keith, overseeing the inquiry, questioned an intriguing matter: the disappearance of 5,000 WhatsApp messages pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic between January and February. He wondered, "What happened to them?" Johnson's plainspoken response? "Some technical issue, I suppose." Keith proposed a different theory: the phone had been reset at some point, but Johnson insisted he was unaware of how to do that. "I wouldn't know the first thing about resetting a phone," Johnson quipped incongruously, referencing his previous involvement with the country's nuclear security.
1. The King of Half-hearted Apologies
Johnson, in his written testimony, acknowledged "mistakes" made during the pandemic, but failed to specify which mistakes he meant. Keith grilled him for clarity. "Could you elaborate on these mistakes?" he asked. Johnson, a seasoned evader, delivered a response filled with ambiguous statements and unrelated details. "It's hard to anticipate every question," he concluded uncertainly.
1. The Expert Vacuum
Johnson attempted to justify the late implementation of a nationwide lockdown by attributing the delay to his inexperience. He reasoned that the country had not faced such a major pandemic in over a century. Yet, he failed to acknowledge the scientific expertise at his disposal, ensuring that the necessary information was readily available. Judge Sarah Asplen, presiding over the inquiry, struggled to hide her consternation as she listened.
1. Long Covid: Just a Load of Malarkey?
It is public knowledge that Johnson is a traditionalist with a peculiar view of his own citizens, considering them vulnerable and potentially expendable. Upon the eruption of the pandemic, he made flippant remarks about the "risk groups" such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, describing them as "already on their way out." His early assessment of the pandemic was less than alarming. As the gravity of the situation became apparent, he vacillated between strategies to build herd immunity and bolster the overwhelmed NHS.
The inquiry proceeds, with more revelations expected in the upcoming hearings. Johnson's cross-examination will continue for another session.
Further Reading:
Despite the intense cross-examination, Boris Johnson struggled to provide a satisfactory explanation for the sudden disappearance of 5,000 WhatsApp messages related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The lawyer Hugo Keith pressed him for answers, but Johnson ultimately remained vague.
The Covid-19 Select Committee Investigation delved into the British government's management of the Coronavirus pandemic under Boris Johnson's leadership, featuring testimony from scientists, politicians, and government officials.
Johnson was subjected to a series of questioning by lawyer Hugo Keith regarding the government's communication approach and errors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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