Boris Johnson has begun giving evidence at the COVID inquiry, to answer for the decisions made during the pandemic, when he was still prime minister.

 

Johnson apologises - but it doesn't go down well with bereaved families

 

"As expected, given it was trailed in the press (much to the inquiry's displeasure) the former prime minister began with an apology "for the pain and loss and suffering" caused by the pandemic. He acknowledged that "unquestionably" his government "may have made mistakes" in its handling of the crisis and said he hoped the inquiry could provide answers for victims and bereaved families.

 

The statement was interrupted by four women, all who lost loved ones during the pandemic, holding signs saying "the dead can't hear your apologies". They were removed from the inquiry and said they didn't want his "waffle".

 

(more)

 

https://news.sky.com/story/key-points-so-far-as-boris-johnson-gives-evidence-to-covid-inquiry-13024055

 

 

 

Former PM Boris Johnson apologises for pain and suffering during pandemic

"LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday he was deeply sorry for the loss of life during the COVID-19 pandemic and accepted he had made mistakes, but struggled to say specifically what he could have done differently.

 

Johnson said he took personal responsibility for all decisions that were made and he understood the public's anger after the inquiry heard testimony of government incompetence, backstabbing and misogyny as it battled the biggest health crisis in decades.

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Johnson, prime minister for three years between 2019 and 2022, resigned in disgrace after a series of scandals including reports that he, and other officials, had been present at alcohol-fuelled gatherings in Downing Street during 2020 and 2021 when most people in Britain were forced to stay at home.

 

(more)

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/former-pm-boris-johnson-defend-record-conduct-uk-covid-inquiry-2023-12-06/

 

Covid inquiry: I did not back a 'let it rip' policy, says Boris Johnson

 

8th December 2023

 

"Boris Johnson has insisted he did not pursue a "let it rip" strategy during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Giving evidence to the Covid inquiry, he said he did offer counter arguments in order to challenge the consensus in meetings.

 

He argued his actions proved he worked to curb the virus, rather than allowing it to spread through the population."

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67646548

 

 

Daughter's 'rage' over former PM Johnson's Covid comments

8th December 2023

 

"The daughter of a woman who died during the coronavirus pandemic has said she is "incandescent with rage" following former prime minister Boris Johnson’s testimony at the Covid inquiry.

 

Covid patient Susan Handley from Tamworth, Staffordshire, died in November 2020.

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Mrs Handley's daughter Victoria said she wanted accountability from decision-makers, and an admission that families were let down.

 

She said: “We’re incandescent with rage at the moment, and there’s nothing taking that away until Boris Johnson owns up to what he’s done.”

(more)

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c192d3ev19ro