Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Boris Johnson denies he wanted to let Covid 'rip'

The inquiry has heard evidence from former advisers that Johnson, fearing the impact on the economy, had once replied “let the bodies pile high”

Boris Johnson denies he wanted to let Covid 'rip'

In his testimony to Britain's Covid inquiry on Thursday (7), former prime minister Boris Johnson dismissed any suggestion that he aimed to allow the virus to "let rip" as "rubbish" and "completely wrong."

Johnson, who was the prime minister between 2019 and 2022, faced a second day of questioning on Thursday, which examined the weeks before the country's second national lockdown in November 2020.


Asked whether he had wanted to allow the virus to "let rip", and about suggestions that he believed older people had reached their time, Johnson said: "No, no, no, this is all rubbish".

The inquiry has heard evidence from former advisers that Johnson, fearing the impact on the economy, had once replied "let the bodies pile high" as he wanted to let the virus spread rather than order another lockdown.

He dismissed that evidence as "accounts...culled from people's jottings" and said Britain went into a second lockdown as soon as the disease picked up again.

"The implication that you're trying to draw from those conversations is completely wrong," he said.

"My position was that we had to save human life at all ages and that was the objective of the strategy, and by the way, that is what we did."

Coronavirus killed more than 230,000 people in Britain and infected many millions more.

Johnson resigned in disgrace after a series of scandals including reports that he, and other officials, engaged in alcohol-fuelled gatherings in Downing Street in 2020 and 2021, when most Britons had to stay at home.

Asked about what has become known as the "partygate" scandal, he said there had been some mischaracterisation of events at No.10, but added that he was sorry.

"I apologise for the offence that has been caused and if I had my time again of course I'd have done things differently," he said.

The inquiry has heard damaging testimony about a toxic culture in Downing Street during the pandemic, Johnson's reluctance to lock down, and how he was confused by the science of the virus.

In autumn 2020, he said the phrase "let it rip" was in common parlance.

His job, he said, was to challenge the consensus in meetings and ask questions of scientists recommending a full lockdown instead of a policy of shielding vulnerable people and allowing the virus to "rip" among the rest of the population.

"It does not do justice to what we did, our thoughts, our feelings, my thoughts, my feelings, to say that we were remotely reconciled to fatalities across the country or that I believed that it was acceptable to let it rip," he said.

On Wednesday, he apologised at the inquiry for his handling of the crisis, saying his government had initially been too complacent and "vastly underestimated" the risks.

(Reuters)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less