Title: Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s COVID-19 Response Criticized for Being “Mad and Dangerous”
Date: October 30, 2023
Author: Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is under scrutiny once again, as the government’s top civil servant, Simon Case, described his approach as “mad and dangerous.” In a series of exchanges revealed during the inquiry into the government’s response to the pandemic, Case expressed frustration with Johnson’s indecisiveness and inability to effectively tackle the virus.
Case’s remarks, made to fellow officials, highlight the challenges faced by the government during the autumn of 2020 when they were discussing strategies to suppress the virus. He stated, “He cannot lead, and we cannot support him under these circumstances. The team captain cannot change the call on the big plays every day.” Case also emphasized, “IT HAS TO STOP,” in capital letters, urging for a more decisive approach.
Furthermore, Case drew a comparison between Johnson’s approach and that of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for downplaying the severity of the virus. “This is in danger of becoming Trump/Bolsonaro level mad and dangerous,” Case warned.
A spokesman for Boris Johnson declined to comment on the allegations. However, the former prime minister is expected to appear as a witness in the ongoing inquiry.
These revelations come at a time when a number of senior officials from Johnson’s government are giving testimony, providing insights into how the government operated during the health crisis. One of the witnesses, Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s former principal private secretary, described a culture of dysfunctionality and misogyny at the heart of the government’s handling of the crisis.
Reynolds disclosed that he and a colleague had written a report in May 2020, recommending reforms to address the government’s “suboptimal” handling of the first phase of the pandemic. When asked if the report revealed “dysfunctionality, lack of discipline, chaos, and a significant degree of misogyny,” Reynolds agreed. He also pointed out a prevalent “superhero culture” among some officials.
Reynolds acknowledged that more should have been done to address issues of diversity and the treatment of women within the government. He stated, “I think that remains an ongoing cultural issue, which I think we could have done more to address.”
The inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic continues as the public awaits further revelations regarding decision-making processes and the actions taken by Johnson’s administration.
Note: This article adopts content from Reuters. The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles have been respected in the reporting of this news article.