A recent public inquiry report has criticized the response of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the COVID-19 pandemic as “toxic,” “chaotic,” and indecisive. The report suggests that delaying the country’s lockdown led to approximately 23,000 additional deaths. The UK experienced over 230,000 COVID-related deaths, a death rate comparable to the United States and Italy but higher than other Western European countries. The inquiry, initiated by Johnson in May 2021, highlighted issues with his government’s handling of the crisis, including indecisiveness, rule-breaking at Downing Street, and the behavior of his top adviser, Dominic Cummings.
The inquiry chair, former judge Heather Hallett, described a “toxic and chaotic culture” within the UK government during the pandemic. Johnson was criticized for not recognizing the severity of the virus early on in 2020 and for being preoccupied with other governmental matters, such as Brexit negotiations at the time. The report emphasized that Johnson failed to provide the necessary leadership to address the emergency promptly.
According to the report, had the UK implemented a lockdown a week earlier on March 16, as suggested by evidence, it could have potentially reduced first-wave deaths by 23,000 or 48%. The report also pointed out that delayed actions in response to rising cases led to subsequent national lockdowns. Despite facing pivotal decisions, Johnson was criticized for repeatedly changing his stance and failing to make timely choices despite a better understanding of the virus.
During his appearance before the committee in 2023, Johnson admitted to his government’s complacency and underestimation of risks, acknowledging the public’s frustration with the handling of the pandemic. Hallett concluded that the belated lockdown announcement on March 23 was insufficient and that earlier action could have mitigated the impact of the virus on the population.