Coffee House Shots: Boris Johnson on Covid failures, the Nanny State & his advice for ‘Snoozefest’ Starmer
Nov 28, 2024
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Former prime minister Boris Johnson reflects on his tumultuous tenure during the pandemic, labeling it a ‘nightmare.’ He shares insights on managing challenges like Nigel Farage's influence and offers strategic advice to Keir Starmer about engaging with Donald Trump. Johnson also delves into the complexities of lockdown decisions, weighing public health against personal freedoms, and shares humorous anecdotes about his shift from mayor to PM amidst the chaos of COVID-19 and Brexit.
Boris Johnson describes his tumultuous experience managing the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting the tension between public health measures and individual freedoms.
He emphasizes the challenges of transitioning from Mayor of London to Prime Minister, revealing his unexpected political vulnerabilities during his tenure.
Deep dives
Book Insights and Touring Experience
Boris Johnson shares insights about his recent book tour for 'Unleashed', detailing his experiences in various countries like the Gulf and France. He highlights that while he sold few copies in the Gulf, his success in Paris was notable, indicating a more receptive audience there. He also mentions planning a meeting between Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, and Mick Jagger, suggesting his ongoing influence and connections in international circles. Johnson reflects on the challenges of the tour, noting that he found it exhausting but exciting as he recounted his journey and the stories behind his book.
Reflections on Political Vulnerability
Johnson discusses the complexities of transitioning from being the Mayor of London to Prime Minister, describing the political vulnerabilities he faced that he hadn't anticipated. Although he had considerable experience in public policy, he realized he was much more disposable as Prime Minister than he had thought, especially as challenges like COVID-19 arose. He stresses that the political landscape during his tenure was shaped by various factors, including the dampening effects of the pandemic on his government’s agenda. This realization confronted him with the harsh political realities and the backlash from Conservative MPs who felt sidelined due to the ever-changing circumstances.
Perspectives on Pandemic Management
Johnson reflects on the difficulties of managing the COVID-19 crisis, admitting that he struggled with the efficacy of the measures implemented during that time. He explains that the prevailing fear around the disease influenced public response and governmental decisions, ultimately leading to complex and sometimes confusing regulations. He acknowledges critique from lockdown skeptics while also highlighting the necessity for governmental action in the face of uncertainty during the early stages of the pandemic. Johnson's insights into the pandemic underscore the challenges of balancing public health with individual freedoms in crisis management.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson joins The Spectator’s political editor Katy Balls to divulge the contents of his new book, Unleashed. He reflects on his premiership as PM during the pandemic, describing the time as a ‘nightmare’ for him. He also details how he managed to suppress the force of Nigel Farage, and gives advice to Keir Starmer on how to build a relationship with Donald Trump.
Watch the full interview on The Spectator's YouTube channel.
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