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Government scientists would not have publicly backed Boris Johnson’s advice to businesses during the pandemic that Covid guidance allowed them to hold “unsocially distanced farewell gatherings.” I understand.
The former prime minister made the allegations as part of his defense against accusations of knowingly or recklessly misleading parliament at partygate in evidence he submitted to the Privileges Committee on Wednesday.
When asked by Conservative Senator Bernard Jenkin what he would communicate to businesses about such an event, Johnson said: It’s up to the organization to decide,” he said. ”.
he said: And there were actually a lot of mitigations. ”
I I contacted several senior medical officers and former ministers who appeared alongside Mr Johnson at the daily Downing Street briefings and asked if they agreed with the hypothetical comments or offered similar advice. rice field.
A source close to Matt Hancock says Hancock has clearly distanced himself from Johnson’s comments, with the former health secretary banning alcohol at the Department of Health while he was in charge during the pandemic. pointed out.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty. Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance. Mrs Jenny Harries, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Health Security Agency. Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Vantham and UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor Professor Susan Hopkins did not respond to requests for comment.
According to sources close to Sir Patrick, the government’s chief scientific adviser’s role was not to make decisions or set policy, but to provide scientific advice alongside the sages.
I I understand that even if top medical personnel were asked during the daily No 10 covid press conference, it was unlikely that businesses would have told staff they could leave their drinks and practice “non-social distancing”. increase.
During the daily briefings in Downing Street at the height of the pandemic, the scientists and medical officials who stood beside the prime minister and ministers made every effort not to hesitate to comment on policy. supported government public health advice, including social distancing guidance and messages such as: “Hands Face Space”.
Professor Vantam made an unusual comment when asked if those in positions of authority should follow the rules during the controversy over Dominic Cummings’ lockdown-breaking trip to Barnard Castle in May 2020. Did.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: In my opinion they apply to all. ”
His fellow scientists had little to say about rule-abiding politicians and the partygate scandal.
They could be questioned about their views on such violations during the Covid investigation, where Professor Whitty, Sir Patrick and others are expected to be key witnesses.
Sir Patrick will step down as Chief Scientific Advisor at the end of this month.