"Misogynistic Culture" Negatively Impacted UK Pandemic Response, Ex-Deputy Cabinet Secretary Tells Covid Inquiry

Ex-Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara details sexist behaviour and language in PM Boris Johnson's office, attributes lack of female perspectives in policy-making to lesser support for vulnerable women during lockdowns.

Helen MacNamara, ex-Deputy Cabinet Secretary, describes a toxic, misogynistic culture in Downing Street that negatively affected the UK's response to the pandemic. She asserts women in the cabinet were ignored, overlooked and their expert opinions dismissed.
MacNamara points out that offensive and misogynistic language was used freely and left unchecked by PM Boris Johnson, reducing female civil servants' engagement and contribution in meetings.
Witness statements detail instances of 'violent and misogynistic language' used by Dominic Cummings towards MacNamara. Johnson reportedly did not address these instances, which lead to further unease and discomfort among civil servants.
The lack of female perspectives in decision-making processes contributed to inadequate support for vulnerable women during lockdowns, leading to overlooked issues such as domestic abuse, childcare, and PPE fit for women.
MacNamara criticises the government's early responses to the pandemic, highlighting their 'unbelievably bullish' stance, dismissal of international experiences, and the perceived absence of a reliable plan.
Downing Street's approach to the pandemic is noted to have prioritized 'male pursuits' such as football and hunting over critical subjects impacting women like pregnancy care, which remained restrictively slow to adapt even amidst the crisis.