Boris Johnson on COVID-19
Boris Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading his government to enact emergency measures across the UK.
His administration oversaw the approval and rapid deployment of a nationwide vaccination programme, often cited by supporters as a major success in controlling the virus.
However, Johnson and his government received significant backlash for the timing of initial restrictions, leading to accusations of acting too slowly, and for subsequent breaches of the rules by those in government, most notably the Partygate scandal.
Throughout the crisis, Johnson himself contracted the virus and required intensive care, later stating that doctors had prepared for his potential death.
His handling of the pandemic has been characterised by both defence of key decisions, like the vaccine rollout, and by severe criticism over perceived failures in preparation and adherence to his own government's regulations.
Timeline
- Johnson claimed to have shaken hands with COVID-19 patients in a hospital setting, despite SAGE advice to avoid physical contact.
- A gathering, later labelled a 'party' by critics, took place in the Downing Street garden while national lockdown rules forbade such meetings.
- Reportedly resisted calls from SAGE and within government to implement a second national lockdown as COVID-19 infections were rising sharply.
- Johnson took 'full responsibility' and expressed deep sorrow as the UK surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 deaths.
- Johnson apologised to MPs for attending the Downing Street garden event, stating he believed it was a 'work event' while awaiting the Sue Gray report.
Actions Taken
- Public Health MeasureImposed a COVID-19 lockdown throughout the UK, backed by new legal powers, after initially being slow to restrict public contact.
- Personal Health EventTested positive for COVID-19 and was subsequently admitted to intensive care, receiving emergency oxygen.
- Public Health MeasureEnacted a second national lockdown after reportedly resisting calls from SAGE for several weeks to do so as infections rose.
- Announced that most generalised public health restrictions in England would be lifted and replaced with recommendations, despite rising cases.
- Introduced 'Plan B' restrictions in England, including mandatory face coverings and work-from-home guidance, in response to the Omicron variant surge.
Key Quotes
I take full responsibility – and I am deeply sorry.
I believed, honourably, that it was a work event.
I would rather let the bodies pile high in their thousands than to take the sort of [economic] measures that I think would destroy the economy.
Criticism
Criticised Johnson for acting too slowly to stop the spread of COVID-19 and mishandling the government's response, suggesting an earlier lockdown would have saved lives.
Noted that Johnson's defence of his advisor Dominic Cummings over lockdown breaches caused a backlash and a loss of public confidence, potentially affecting compliance with restrictions ('the Cummings effect').
Found that the Conservative Party failed to accurately report donations related to the Downing Street refurbishment, which was investigated following Johnson's insistence he paid personally.
Issued Johnson with a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 lockdown regulations, making him the first serving Prime Minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law.
Sources6
COVID-19: Johnson apologises for attending Downing Street garden party during first lockdown
COVID-19: Boris Johnson 'let the bodies pile high' rather than impose second lockdown, report claims
The Lancet: The Downing Street parties scandal and the 'Cummings effect'
Electoral Commission fines Conservative Party over Downing Street flat refurbishment
Boris Johnson becomes first PM to break law in office after being fined by police over lockdown party
COVID-19: Johnson takes 'full responsibility' as UK passes 100,000 deaths
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.