Boris Johnson is gearing up to address the Covid Inquiry, where he's expected to acknowledge and apologize for significant missteps made during the pandemic. Despite admitting to these
mistakes, he'll strongly defend his decisions, claiming they ultimately saved "tens if not hundreds of thousands of lives."
Scheduled for rigorous questioning over two extensive sessions next week, Johnson faces an uphill battle to salvage his reputation. The inquiry has already highlighted various concerning aspects:
Johnson's focus on accepting the fate of older people amid the virus outbreak.
References to chaotic decision-making within his team, with his handling likened to a "trolley" by many involved.
His aversion to implementing lockdown measures and controversial comments regarding pandemic-related actions, like letting bodies accumulate to avoid subsequent lockdowns.
Despite these revelations, Johnson intends to argue that without imposed restrictions, the toll would have been far worse, resulting in unnecessary deaths and overwhelming strain on the healthcare system.
He plans to emphasize the success of the vaccine rollout and the UK's emergence from lockdown compared to other nations. However, the inquiry has unearthed internal turmoil within Johnson's team, with Dominic Cummings, his former senior aide, openly criticizing him.
Johnson's defense is expected to center on the immense pressure he faced, constantly evolving advice, and the gravity of decisions. Notably, he'll touch on the nation's health challenges, attributing difficulties in tackling the virus to issues like obesity.
Moreover, Johnson will challenge assertions made by key scientists regarding schemes like Eat Out to Help Out, claiming thorough discussions took place, a stance contradicting statements from these experts.
His statement also addresses his use of language and controversial stances in private conversations, arguing that these methods helped challenge advisors and navigate complex decisions.
Interestingly, Johnson is set to back former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, despite criticism directed at him during the inquiry. Hancock, in his written statement, acknowledged Johnson's apology for the appointment of his chief adviser and the resulting impact on the pandemic response.
With a comprehensive 200-page statement already submitted, Johnson is bracing himself as the sole figure to appear before the inquiry for extended sessions next week. Photo by UK Government, Wikimedia commons.