Boris Johnson has acknowledged the delayed recognition of the severity of Covid-19 by his government during the pandemic.
The former Prime Minister expressed his belief that children may have been better off exempted from lockdown measures. He faced inquiries regarding the sudden closure of schools and the impact on children during the pandemic.
Reflecting on the situation, Johnson admitted that the complexity of lockdown rules, including the “Rule of Six,” might have been excessive, especially concerning children. He suggested that finding a way to exempt children could have been a more suitable approach.
England underwent a national lockdown from late March to June 2020, restricting movement to essential purposes only, such as obtaining food or medical assistance.
A “Rule of Six” restriction was implemented in England from September, limiting social gatherings to six individuals. Children were initially part of this restriction in England but were excluded from it in Wales.
During discussions, Johnson mentioned that outdoor activities were crucial for children’s exercise, implying that they should have been allowed more freedom to play outside.
Criticism was directed at the government’s slow response in preparing for school closures and remote learning, which were abruptly announced in March 2020.
As Johnson left the inquiry, protesters voiced their discontent, highlighting the impact on children’s health due to the closures. The inquiry revealed that many children faced challenges due to inadequate parental support and limited access to resources during the pandemic.
The lack of a national plan for remote learning became evident, with preparations for school closures only initiated in mid-March 2020.
Despite acknowledging the necessity of school closures to mitigate Covid-19 spread, Johnson emphasized the difficulty and consequences of such decisions and expressed regret for any shortcomings in the government’s response.
In discussions with Clair Dobbin KC, Johnson maintained that while preparations for school closures were discussed, the actual implementation was challenging, with limited time for planning.
Witnesses, including former Health Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson, indicated a lack of national planning for school closures, leading to a rushed response to the situation.
The inquiry disclosed that only a small percentage of vulnerable children entitled to attend school during closures were able to do so, underscoring the challenges faced by families during remote learning.
Throughout the inquiry, testimonies from educators highlighted the proactive measures taken by schools to prepare for closures ahead of official announcements, emphasizing the importance of early planning.
While taking responsibility for the government’s decisions and acknowledging mistakes, Johnson expressed pride in the efforts of teachers and schools in managing the crisis.
Johnson reiterated the necessity of school closures to prevent the spread of the virus and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system, aligning with the views of health officials on the unavoidable nature of such measures.