FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson wears a protective mask during a visit to BAE Systems facility at Warton Aerodrome near Preston, Britain March 22, 2021. Christopher Furlong/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday praised the "great spirit" shown by Britain in tackling COVID-19, marking a year since the first lockdown by saying everyone's efforts had allowed the country to start "on the cautious road" to easing restrictions.

 

With Britain suffering one of the highest death tolls from the coronavirus, Johnson has come under fire for moving too slowly last year to tackle the first and second waves of the pandemic, with some accusing him of prioritising the economy over health.

 

But since then, his government has overseen a successful vaccine rollout, reaching more than half of the adult population, and a cautious approach to easing the latest lockdown, prompting a recovery for him in opinion polls.

 

"Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country's history," Johnson said in a statement.

 

"We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. ... It's because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS (National Health Service) was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all."

 

On March 23 last year, Johnson ordered the first lockdown to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus, telling Britain that people should "stay at home", part of a slogan on saving lives that has become a common refrain since then.

 

Last month, he unveiled a roadmap to ease England's lockdown, starting with the reopening of schools two weeks ago and ending on June 21 at the earliest when most of the restrictions will be lifted.

 

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-03-23

 

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Maybe BJ didn't see the massive demo in London 21 March,

plenty of Brit spirit there, and Bristol.

At some point a full examination of all aspects of the UK's handling of the pandemic must be carried out, including the issue of just how many deaths allegedly due to the covid virus were in fact due to other causes.

You mean, a year ago when we were all assured that the lockdown was for three weeks to "flatten the curve?" 

Once governments taste totalitarian control - they don't give it up.
Liberal Democracies are a thing of the past.  New normal is this current dystopia which will not end - it will simple morph into a different kind of democracy killing governmment and corporate control.  For your safety of course.
"Of course?"

Of course!  ????

28 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

At some point a full examination of all aspects of the UK's handling of the pandemic must be carried out, including the issue of just how many deaths allegedly due to the covid virus were in fact due to other causes.

 

Yes, an investigation is probably on the cards, and here's just a few areas where UK failed miserably compared to Thailand. See row 5 and row 116: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

1. Why did it take so long for UK to recognise the effectiveness of face masks?
2. How did they figure folk could travel around Europe last Summer and return home, without any testing or restrictions?
3. Why did they not enforce proper quarantine until January? 
4. Why couldn't their younger generations have more discipline. Seems to me, they couldn't give a toss.

With a death rate of 1,852 per million, compared to Thailand 1 per million - leaving plenty of room for some minor inaccuracies - British Health could do worse than visit Thailand for some education in handling pandemics.
 

18 hours ago, Donga said:

With a death rate of 1,852 per million, compared to Thailand 1 per million - leaving plenty of room for some minor inaccuracies - British Health could do worse than visit Thailand for some education in handling pandemics.
 

I don’t think they will be coming for any tips on vaccination rollout though. 

On 3/23/2021 at 8:10 PM, Thingamabob said:

At some point a full examination of all aspects of the UK's handling of the pandemic must be carried out, including the issue of just how many deaths allegedly due to the covid virus were in fact due to other causes.

and how many were caused by pure incompetence and shoddy governance... 

On 3/24/2021 at 2:55 PM, Kadilo said:

I don’t think they will be coming for any tips on vaccination rollout though. 

I wouldn't be so quick to pat the UK on the back just yet..

1 hour ago, from the home of CC said:

I wouldn't be so quick to pat the UK on the back just yet..

Half of all adults already received one dose, all population by July ........probably just when Thailand will be starting. 

Massive pat. Dont worry you will get yours once the Thais have finished, just be patient. There’s a pecking order. 

With 126,000 deaths Johnson runs his mouth.

39 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

Half of all adults already received one dose, all population by July ........probably just when Thailand will be starting. 

Massive pat. Dont worry you will get yours once the Thais have finished, just be patient. There’s a pecking order. 

I'm patient. imo the first wave of vaccinations may all have to boosted and probably within a year as this beast mutates. It's far from over for most of the world and if petri dish #2 (Brazil), with it's wonderful leadership, continues on the same path for much longer we could see it deviate into something even worse. After dropping the ball in the mitigation stage you've done well vaccinating for sure but I wouldn't be crowing quite yet...

2 hours ago, Kadilo said:

Half of all adults already received one dose, all population by July ........probably just when Thailand will be starting. 

Massive pat. Dont worry you will get yours once the Thais have finished, just be patient. There’s a pecking order. 

A couple of months between jabs in not very wise.....

Three weeks has been the usual norm.

10 minutes ago, zzaa09 said:

A couple of months between jabs in not very wise.....

Three weeks has been the usual norm.

Says who. You? The science says different. What usual norm?