Boris Johnson has been speaking to a public inquiry since Wednesday about his management of the coronavirus epidemic, when he was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He recognizes in particular that he should have canceled the sports gatherings.
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Sitting behind a desk, facing the lawyer who is conducting the interviews, Boris Johnson, looking serious, begins his long day with an apology. Since Wednesday morning, December 6, the former Prime Minister has been accountable and is facing a public commission of inquiry into the fight against Covid-19 by the British government. This work began several months ago, notably through several hearings with former ministers and government advisors.
Boris Johnson is therefore trying to respond to the many grievances addressed to him. “I am deeply sorry for the pain, loss and suffering of these victims and their families”, he assures. Faced with precise and well-argued accusations, the former Prime Minister does not shy away. He says in particular: “I take personal responsibility for all the decisions we have made”.
He wishes to recall the context of the start of the pandemic. When he hears about the first deaths in Italy, the first statistics, he thinks it is a mistake. He and his entire administration underestimate the scale and pace of the challenge. When he talks about the year 2020, he talks about his helplessness, while holding back tears.
“This whole year, this whole tragic year… We confined and it came back”
Boris Johnson, former British Prime Ministerbefore the public inquiry commission
Boris Johnson no longer boasts. In March 2020, he should not have shaken hands with virus patients. He should have canceled sports gatherings, particularly football matches and horse races. Nearly four years later, he recognizes it. Thursday, December 7, he will notably have to justify the “pirate” parties organized in Downing Street, in full confinement.
