Boris Johnson’s first day in front of the inquiry has come to an end. Here’s a look at the key lines from the day:
Let's start at the beginning: Johnson opened his evidence with an apology, saying he was “deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the suffering of those victims and their families."
Another sorry: He also apologised to former senior civil servant Helen MacNamara for not "calling out" Dominic Cummings' disparaging remarks about her – and admitted meetings on Covid were “too male dominated”.
A defective health secretary: The inquiry’s heard a lot of criticism of Matt Hancock’s role during the pandemic. Johnson said he “stuck by him” and broadly praised his work, despite his “defects”.
Late to twig: After seeing scenes from outbreaks in Italy, Johnson said he should have recognised “sooner” the seriousness of Covid, while also defending not chairing five Cobra meetings in early 2020.
Copyright: PA Media
Emotions ran high: At one point, Johnson fought back tears as he recalled “tragic, tragic 2020”.
That handshake: The ex-PM admitted that “in retrospect” he shouldn’t have shaken hands with Covid patients at the Royal Free Hospital in north London on 1 March 2020.
Mass gatherings: He also said he should have stopped major sporting events in March 2020 - including the Cheltenham Festival and Champions League football matches – from going ahead.
A rare intervention: Asked by the inquiry chair whether he'd considered anti-lockdown arguments before it was implemented on 23 March 2020, Johnson said by then “we had run out of wiggle room”.
Choice language: The inquiry was also shown a document on long Covid, on which in October 2020 Johnson had scrawled "bollocks" in the margin and wrote "this is Gulf War syndrome stuff" - language he said he regrets using.
Interruptions: At the start of today's session, the inquiry chair ordered the removal of four people who interrupted the hearing. Bereaved families have gathered in protest outside the inquiry all day.
Copyright: Reuters
World - Latest - Google News
December 06, 2023 at 11:55PM
https://ift.tt/vAe3NIb
Boris Johnson Covid inquiry live: I had 'no other tool' for Covid than lockdown - BBC.com
World - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/I5jeJFY
No comments:
Post a Comment