Boris Johnson's Corona Policy: A Rollercoaster Ride
For quite some time, the UK has charted its own course during the Corona pandemic. Prime Minister Johnson has been at the helm, weathering both criticism and admiration. Now, he faces a grilling before an investigative commission, with burning questions on the horizon.
Johnson ducks an official judgment
While a judgement won't be handed down on Johnson's Corona policy, the ensuing interrogation before the independent panel isn't likely to prove pleasurable for the ex-PM. Expectations are running high for answers to long-standing questions surrounding his policies, from the initial reluctance to enforce lockdowns to the infamous "Partygate" scandal. Questions about his comprehension of the situation, his interactions with advisors, and even his views on stopping the virus with a hairdryer are all on the table.
The Covid-19 Inquiry, chaired by former judge Heather Hallett, has already questioned high-profile witnesses, including ministers, scientific advisors, and Johnson's former advisor, Dominic Cummings. Cummings, who once stood the shiny-suited PM on end, is no longer singing his former boss's praises.
Johnson: The erratic shopping cart
But Johnson isn't the only one in hot water. Testimonies from Johnson's former head of communications, Lee Cain, and Health Secretary Sajid Javid paint a discouraging picture. Cain alleged that Johnson's capabilites were mismatched for the crisis, labeling him as a procrastinator and delayer. Javid, meanwhile, suggested that Cummings was the real PM, albeit without title.
Dr. Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific advisor, weighed in as well, stating that Johnson often struggled to understand complex research data. The corroborating evidence comes by way of explosive WhatsApp messages, revealing a culture of deceit and contempt within the government.
Sexism and toxicity take center stage
Government insiders have also levied accusations of sexism, toxicity, and a callous "macho attitude" under Johnson's leadership. Former top civil servant Helen MacNamara described the atmosphere as "toxic," as stubbornness flared up among government officials at the pandemic's onset.
Johnson's potentially damaging quotes
Johnson's comments in the midst of the pandemic haven't escaped scrutiny. In the fall of 2020, for instance, he reportedly told his team he would rather "let the bodies pile up" than impose a lockdown, only to announce one soon after. One of his advisors, Patrick Vallance, claimed that Johnson said another time that "corona is nature's way of dealing with old people." In both scenarios, Johnson opted to let victims suffer rather than implement restrictions.
Johnson facing an emotional uphill battle
Facing criticism from all sides, Johnson is expected to address the charges objectively, acknowledging errors while emphasizing his successes. Despite the wave of accusations, he will maintain that his policies saved many lives. But there's no denying that his "shopping cart" approach to leadership—constantly turning around and changing his mind—has left many questioning his abilities as a leader.
The right versus the real Prime Minister
The fight between political heavyweights rages on. Prominent political figures, such as Michael Gove and Matt Hancock, have jumped to Johnson's defense, while others, like Dominic Cummings, remain his most vocal critics.
As the dust settles, the BBC reminds us that "a country will watch and wait in anticipation for scrutiny, accountability, and answers." The families of the 227,000 estimated victims in the UK are keenly listening for what Johnson has to say.
Additional Insights:
- Johnson's initial approach to Corona focused on generating herd immunity through natural infection. This strategy was widely criticized for being delayed and ineffective.
- The pandemic had significant impacts on the UK's healthcare system, economy, and society complicated by rushed legislation and insufficient consideration for the well-being of healthcare workers.
Sources:
- [Justification and Impact of Boris Johnson's Coronavirus Policy]
- [Criticism from Former Advisors and Ministers]
