Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized on Wednesday for mistakes made during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to extensive loss of life. Testifying before an inquiry into the government's handling of the crisis, Johnson said he was "deeply sorry for the pain and loss" endured by victims and their families.
While acknowledging that things "unquestionably" could have been done differently, Johnson struggled to specify what exactly should have changed. He took personal responsibility for all policy decisions made under his leadership despite clear evidence of disorganization, mixed messaging and delays presented in earlier inquiry testimonies.
The inquiry has heard how Johnson was reluctant to order lockdowns and seemed confused by scientific advice. Former aides claimed he even suggested disproven ideas like using a hairdryer up his nose to kill the virus.
Over 230,000 people died of COVID-19 in Britain - one of the highest national death tolls globally. Bereaved family members awaited Johnson's arrival to the hearing, aiming to confront him over allegations that he said he would rather "let the bodies pile high" than impose another lockdown.
Johnson now faces 12 hours of intensive questioning over two days about hispandemic decision-making. The inquiry seeks to establish why Britain was so hard hit by the crisis despite being a developed country with resources to respond. Johnson's testimony will likely prove pivotal in determining responsibility for severe policy failures.