UK Covid Inquiry Reveals Political Chaos and Delayed Decisions during Pandemic Outbreak; Johnson Defends Lockdown Decisions

Inquiry uncovers allegations of toxic culture and decision delays in Downing Street, UK Supposedly had no Coronavirus plan; Johnson insists first lockdown couldn't have been avoided and was always prioritizing human life, despite economic worries.

The UK Covid Inquiry has revealed tumultuous circumstances behind the UK's biggest political decisions since WWII, with allegations of in-fighting and confusion in Downing Street and a toxic, sexist atmoshpere that including vulgarity directed at colleagues.
The inquiry found that lockdown was never the government's 'Plan A' and could potentially have been avoided if Health Secretary Matt Hancock had been honest about the lack of existing pandemic plans. There was also criticism about the focus on 'countable things' in data that failed to consider long-term impacts on groups such as women, ethnic minorities and disadvantaged people.
Testimonies have detailed anxiety in Downing Street about the economic impact of a lockdown. Even on the day of the 'stay at home' order, Boris Johnson voiced concerns about whether the economic impact might do more harm to the country than the virus.
The Inquiry team discovered that the government's original claim that a 'herd immunity' strategy was never considered has been debunked by witnesses. Indeed, Johnson was still arguing in favour of protecting the economy as late as March 19, 2020.
In his written testimony to the Inquiry, Mr. Johnson recognised the harmful potential of lockdown measures, but refuted the possibility of having been manipulated into the decision, insisting that he was always prioritising human life and public health.