Description
Added on the 06/12/2023 11:31:01 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Boris Johnson leaves a public inquiry into his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic after attending the first of two gruelling days in the witness box. The former British prime minister apologised for "the pain and the loss and the suffering" caused by the pandemic but defended his government. Johnson has faced a barrage of criticism from former aides for alleged indecisiveness and a lack of scientific understanding during the crisis. IMAGES
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives at a public inquiry where he is expected to be grilled over his government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Johnson, who has faced a barrage of criticism from his former aides for his indecisiveness and a lack of scientific understanding during the pandemic, is expected to admit that he "unquestionably made mistakes" during two days at the inquiry in London. IMAGES
After an alarming outbreak of a mutant coronavirus, multiple countries have canceled flights from the United Kingdom. According to Business Insider, the move was prompted by fears around the new variant of COVID-19. The mutant coronavirus is believed to be up to 70% more transmissible than the original strain. In order to stop its spread, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that London and surrounding areas would suddenly be plunged into lockdown. Dutch authorities confirmed at least one case of this COVID-19 variant had reached the Netherlands. Flights from the UK to The Netherlands are canceled until January 1st, as are those to Belgium. On Sunday afternoon, Italian foreign minister Luigi di Maio said that the government would be suspending all travel from the UK.
Business Insider reports UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has placed himself under self-isolation. The move comes after Conservative MP Lee Anderson, who Johnson spent time with last week, announced he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus. A Number 10 spokesperson said Johnson 'does not have any symptoms of COVID-19' and is self-isolating. In March, Johnson was hospitalized for ten days for COVID-19. He was moved to intensive care and received oxygen treatment after his symptoms became severe. Currently, Johns Hopkins University reports the UK has over 1.3 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Bereaved families gather outside the venue where the first witnesses are being called for an inquiry probing the UK government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The first phase of the inquiry will focus on the UK's resilience and preparedness in the face of the global health emergency. Relatives of Covid-19 victims have taken aim at the investigation, saying it will be a "farce" if bereaved families are not able to testify, while there has been debate over the extent to which WhatsApp messages between government ministers should be made available for scrutiny. The public hearings are scheduled to conclude by summer 2026. IMAGES