LONDON: Former British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday (Dec 6) he was deeply sorry for the loss of life during the COVID-19 pandemic as he appeared as a witness at the official inquiry into Britain’s handling of the pandemic.
Johnson said at the start of the hearing how glad he was to give evidence and how sorry he was for the suffering of victims and their families.
The hearing was disrupted by a protester, who was asked to leave by the inquiry’s chairwoman.
“Can I say that I understand the feelings of the victims and their families, and I am deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the suffering of those victims and their families,” Johnson said.
Johnson, prime minister for three years between 2019 and 2022, resigned in disgrace after a series of scandals including reports that he, and other officials, had been present at alcohol-fuelled gatherings in Downing Street during 2020 and 2021 when most people in Britain were forced to stay at home.
The inquiry has already heard damaging testimony about Johnson’s handling of the crisis, including claims of government incompetence, backstabbing and misogyny, his reluctance to lock down, and how he was confused by the science.
He was said to have asked at one point if blowing a hair-dryer up his nose could kill the virus.
Source: CNA
