Explosive government documents have revealed that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson repeatedly dismissed critical scientific advice from SAGE during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while then-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson's department pursued a controversial schools strategy.
The Secret Briefings That Shaped Britain's Pandemic Response
According to newly uncovered evidence, scientific advisors had warned the government as early as February 2020 about the urgent need for school closures and stricter lockdown measures. However, these recommendations were consistently overlooked by Downing Street.
The documents paint a disturbing picture of a government operating against expert medical advice, with SAGE members expressing growing frustration at their warnings being ignored.
Williamson's Department Under Fire
Meanwhile, the Department for Education under Gavin Williamson faced mounting criticism for its handling of school safety during the crisis. Internal communications show the DFE pushing for schools to remain open even as infection rates soared.
Key revelations include:
- SAGE recommended school closures weeks before they were implemented
- Scientific advice about mask-wearing and social distancing was delayed
- The DFE continued to advocate for in-person teaching despite health risks
- Multiple warnings about variant spread were not acted upon promptly
A Pattern of Delayed Action
The documents suggest a consistent pattern where scientific recommendations were met with hesitation and delay at the highest levels of government. This approach potentially cost valuable time in controlling the virus's spread and protecting public health.
One particularly damning note from a SAGE meeting in early March 2020 explicitly stated that "school closures would be necessary" to control transmission, yet the government waited until March 23rd to implement full lockdown measures.
Fallout and Future Implications
These revelations come as the UK COVID-19 Inquiry continues to examine the government's handling of the pandemic. The documents are expected to feature prominently in upcoming hearings examining decision-making processes during the crisis.
The evidence raises serious questions about the relationship between scientific advice and political decision-making during national emergencies, with implications for how future governments might handle similar crises.
