A recent report from a public inquiry criticized former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, deeming the response as “toxic,” “chaotic,” and indecisive. The report highlighted that a delayed lockdown decision resulted in approximately 23,000 additional deaths in the UK.
The inquiry revealed that the UK saw over 230,000 COVID-related deaths, a figure comparable to the United States and Italy but higher than other Western European countries. The report, ordered by Johnson himself in May 2021, condemned his government’s response to the pandemic, citing issues such as indecisive leadership, violations of internal rules by Downing Street staff, and criticisms of Johnson’s top adviser, Dominic Cummings.
Former judge Heather Hallett, chair of the inquiry, described a “toxic and chaotic culture” within the UK government during the pandemic. The report emphasized that Johnson underestimated the severity of the virus in early 2020, being preoccupied with Brexit negotiations at the time. It noted that Johnson failed to recognize the urgency of the situation and inject necessary leadership into the response promptly.
The report indicated that if the UK had implemented a lockdown a week earlier than the actual March 23 date, as recommended by evidence, around 23,000 deaths in the first wave up to July could have been prevented, representing a 48% reduction. Additionally, delayed actions as cases increased later in the year led to subsequent national lockdowns, prolonging the crisis.
During his appearance before the committee in 2023, Johnson admitted to government complacency and underestimation of risks, acknowledging public discontent. Hallett criticized the government, including the devolved administrations, for repeated delays and indecisiveness in responding to the evolving situation despite better understanding of the virus.
The inquiry recognized the difficult decisions faced by Johnson but highlighted his inconsistency and delayed decision-making as contributing factors to the inadequate pandemic response.