Boris Johnson faces a grilling at the Covid Inquiry, revealing his changing approach to COVID-19. Controversy surrounding 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme and delayed lockdown decisions discussed. Consequences of decision-making, anticipation of inquiry, and preparation for future pandemics explored.
Boris Johnson's delayed implementation of a lockdown resulted in high death tolls and economic fallout during the pandemic.
Despite warnings from scientists, Johnson dismissed their advice for a circuit breaker lockdown and opted for a more optimistic approach, raising questions about the government's decision-making process and the consequences.
Deep dives
Boris Johnson's handling of the pandemic
The podcast delves into Boris Johnson's performance during the COVID inquiry. It highlights how testimonies from officials and advisors revealed his struggle with understanding the severity of the virus and making key decisions. Despite warnings from scientists, Johnson delayed implementing a lockdown, resulting in high death tolls and economic fallout. The podcast also discusses Johnson's changing stance on measures, including the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme, which was criticized for potentially spreading the virus. Overall, the podcast highlights the consequences of Johnson's delayed actions and the importance of better pandemic preparedness for the future.
Scientific advice and decision-making
The podcast examines the scientific advice received by Boris Johnson and his government. Initially, scientists underestimated the virus, but they later emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent overwhelming the NHS. However, Johnson dismissed their warnings and opted for a more optimistic approach. The podcast discusses how Johnson disregarded advice for a circuit breaker lockdown and listened to scientists advocating for a herd immunity-style approach. Additionally, it reveals the clash between scientists and the Chancellor Rishi Sunak regarding the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme. The podcast raises questions about whose version of the science the government followed and the consequences of delayed decision-making.
Lessons learned and future pandemic preparedness
The podcast explores the lessons learned from Boris Johnson's handling of the pandemic and the implications for future preparedness. It highlights how the delay in taking action led to higher death tolls and prolonged lockdowns. The podcast emphasizes the need for better planning and a more effective response to save lives and the economy in the face of future pandemics. It also discusses the potential risks posed by research on coronaviruses and the importance of understanding and addressing them. Overall, the podcast underscores the significance of learning from past mistakes to prevent the recurrence of similar crises.
Over the past two days, Boris Johnson faced a grilling at the Covid Inquiry. His appearance came after weeks of testimony from senior officials, politicians and scientific advisers who hadn't held back in their assessment of his handling of the pandemic. So what did we learn about the crucial decisions made by the then Prime Minister?
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Guest: George Arbuthnott, Deputy Insight Editor, The Sunday Times.