Covid Inquiry latest: Boris Johnson gives evidence for a second day on Covid-19 pandemic
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For the second consecutive day, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is giving evidence to the Covid Inquiry.
The ex-PM spent much of yesterday defending the actions he took in the early stages of the pandemic, from deciding when to go into lockdown in March to WhatsApp messages that were critical of the team around him. Johnson defended the toxic culture which appeared to form in Downing Street as "an atmosphere of challenge" and claimed he "thought about" getting rid of health secretary Matt Hancock.
Today (December 7) his evidence continues - follow the live stream above and the blog below for all the latest updates.
Key Events
- Today's evidence likely to include Partygate scandal
- Johnson has been defensive about his actions during Covid-19 pandemic
- Eat Out to Help Out "was safe" insists former Prime MInister
"I don't remember"
Boris Johnson was "unable to recall" key information at a number of points during this inquiry. One publication counted 19 occasions yesterday - and we've just heard it again this morning.
"Let the virus rip" were not my words, says Johnson
Hugo Keith KC said: "The phrase 'let the virus rip' and the notion that you as a government would let the virus rip was your own phrase, was it not?"
Johnson said: "No, I'm sad to say there were plenty of people who had used the phrase in conversation with me. I was trying to represent a view that was sadly quite widespread, which was to segment the most vulnerable to protect them and allow the vast majority of the population to gradually acquire immunity.
"That was not an approach that I could take at all."
"A complete shambles"
As entries from Sir Patrick Vallance's diary are read out - citing Johnson saying those who were dying "had a good innings" - the former Prime Minister sighs, shakes his head and leans back in his chair.
Johnson said: "This is all rubbish. The implication that you're trying to draw from these conversations is completely wrong. My position was that we had to save human life at all ages."
"I had to speak for everybody"
Johnson, now seemingly agitated, claims that the controversial statements he made towards scientific advisers were made on behalf of others.
"I had to speak for everybody," he said. "If you want to look at what I thought, look at what I said in cabinet and what I did.
"And by the way, I - sorry, I don't want to interrupt your question."
A short break
The inquiry is taking a short break - after this, I imagine we'll be steamrolling through evidence right up to lunchtime.
A recap of yesterday
For those pressed for time, myself and political editor Ralph Blackburn broke down the key moments from yesterday's inquiry. While today's session is on a break, it's the perfect time to catch up!
Johnson admits tier system "didn't work"
He said: "It didn't and I'm very sad about that. I think they were logically rational as we came out of the restrictions in the summer - they were worth a try. It clearly was proving divisive and difficult to implement."
Keith KC said: "Because the virus was spreading, it spread to all areas - everywhere would eventually have to go up into tier three."
"That's completely right," Johnson replied.
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