Families who lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic are demanding that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson be stripped of all privileges and entitlements he receives as an ex-PM, following the publication of a scathing official report into the government's handling of the crisis.
A Call for Consequences, Not Apologies
The campaign group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK issued a powerful statement, declaring that Johnson's actions constituted "one of the gravest betrayals of the British public in modern history." They argue that his decisions, delays, and refusal to listen to warnings led to tens of thousands of preventable deaths.
The group stated, "We are not asking for an apology. We are asking for consequences. Boris Johnson should have no role in public life and no further entitlement to public funds." They specifically want his ministerial pension, his place on the privy council, and access to the public duty costs allowance withdrawn.
Inquiry Findings: 'Too Little, Too Late'
The second report from the public inquiry, led by the retired judge and crossbench peer Heather Hallett, was published on Thursday. It delivered a devastating verdict on Johnson's leadership, concluding his government had acted "too little, too late."
The inquiry found that locking down the country just one week earlier in March 2020 could have saved approximately 23,000 lives. It heavily criticised Johnson's indecisiveness, noting he "repeatedly changed his mind on whether to introduce tougher restrictions and failed to make timely decisions."
Furthermore, the report painted a picture of a "toxic and chaotic culture" in Downing Street under Johnson's watch, which severely hampered effective decision-making. It stated he had "intentionally fostered conflict and a chaotic working environment." While criticism was also directed at leaders of the devolved nations, Johnson faced the most severe rebuke.
Pursuing Legal Action and Ending 'Intolerable' Subsidy
The bereaved families highlighted the public duty costs allowance, from which Johnson is permitted to claim up to £115,000 a year. He claimed the full amount for the 2024/25 financial year.
"It is intolerable that bereaved families are expected to subsidise the lifestyle of the man whose decisions led to the deaths of our loved ones. That must end," their statement read.
The campaign group, which represents around 7,000 members across the UK, has vowed to pursue "all available legal options to seek personal accountability for Johnson’s decisions during the pandemic." They emphasised that justice for their lost loved ones requires real consequences for those who failed them, and they pledged not to stop until that justice is delivered.
In response to the report, former cabinet minister Michael Gove offered an apology on behalf of the government and the Conservative party for mistakes made during the pandemic. However, he defended Johnson, rejecting the characterisation of a toxic environment and suggesting that claiming 23,000 lives could have been saved by an earlier lockdown was a "leap."
