Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that the coronavirus pandemic was a “sad” and “natural way of dealing with the elderly,” an inquiry was told.
In his 2020 notebook, the government’s former chief scientist, Sir Patrick Vallance, wrote that the former PM’s attitude was revealed in a “crazy exchange” in a WhatsApp group with the British leader.
Vallance wrote in August 2020 that Johnson was “obsessed with older people accepting their fate and letting the young get on with life and the economy.”
In December 2020, Vallance wrote that Johnson said he believed he had “acted early” on the epidemic – which has killed more than 230,000 Britons alone – and that “the people are with him (but his party is not).”
“He said he ‘thinks it’s all sad and Covid is just a natural way of dealing with old people – and I’m not sure I disagree with them,'” Vallance quoted Johnson as saying.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that the coronavirus outbreak was “sad” and a “natural way of dealing with the elderly,” an inquiry was told. Getty Images Johnson is “obsessed with old people accepting their fate and letting the young get on with life and the economy,” wrote Patrick Vallance in August 2020. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Earlier, in October 2020, Johnson emphasized the need to “redetermine” from restrictions because most of the elderly are dying.
“I must say I’m a little surprised by some of the data on Covid deaths,” he wrote at the time, a message shared on the inquiry show.
“The median age is 82 – 81 for men and 85 for women. That exceeds the lifespan. So get Covid and live longer,” he was quoted as saying.
Johnson announced his resignation in July 2022, marking the end of his time at the top of UK politics.Getty Images
“I no longer buy all the NHS stuff which is overwhelming” and there is a “max 3m [3 million] in this country is over 80 years old.”
A UK government spokesperson told The Post, “Throughout the pandemic, the government acted to save lives and livelihoods, prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed and deliver world-leading vaccine launches that protect the nation.
The former UK prime minister reportedly believes he has “acted early” on the epidemic – which has killed more than 230,000 Britons alone. Getty Images Former director of communications at 10 Downing Street, Lee Cain, gives evidence to the COVID inquiry, in west London, on October 31, 2023. UK Covid-19 Inquiry/AFP via Getty Images
“We have always stated that there are lessons to be learned from the outbreak and we are committed to learning from the findings of the Covid Inquiry which will play an important role in informing government planning and preparation for the future.”
Johnson announced his resignation in July 2022, marking the end of his time at the top of UK politics.
His decision to step down follows a string of controversies that have eroded confidence in his leadership, from the “Partygate” shutdown scandal to a severe cost-of-living crisis to complaints about his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against a top political appointee.
Nearly 60 ministers and aides quit the government in less than 48 hours before Johnson resigned, saying he was no longer fit to remain in charge.
The Post has contacted the Conservative Party and Johnson’s office for comment.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
