Covid inquiry: Boris Johnson 'sat in silence as adviser told him to get a grip and impose lockdown'

The Government’s failure to act quickly in response to warnings about rising Covid-19 cases in autumn 2020 led to preventable deaths, the nation’s chief scientific adviser has said.

Professor Dame Angela McLean criticised a “lack of appreciation that very quick decisions were needed” during the pandemic, and said this was the “most significant shortcoming” in decision-making.