Early evening summary
King Charles has delivered his first king’s speech, outlining the UK government’s plans for laws to create potential dividing lines with Labour before the next general election with a tough approach to criminal justice and the green agenda, but little legislation to improve Britain’s struggling public services. And here is Rowena Mason’s analysis.
Johnson did say he would rather 'let bodies pile high' than order another lockdown, Covid inquiry told
At PMQs in April 2021 Boris Johnson categorically denied saying that he had would rather “let the bodies pile high” than agree to a further lockdown. He was responding to a question from Keir Starmer, who asked if it was true that Johnson had made the remark in late October 2020, as he agreed to a second lockdown.
Dominic Cummings subsequently told a Commons committee that he had heard Johnson make the remark. But Cummings’ evidence was not enough to trigger an investigation into whether or not Johnson had lied to MPs, partly because he clearly had a grudge against Johnson and some MPs questioned his credibility.
At the Covid inquiry hearing today an extract from Ed Lister’s witness statement was shown saying he heard Johnson make this remark. Lister is a highly credible witness who hasn’t fallen out with Johnson. Assuming he is right, the only defence Johnson would have against the charge that he told a direct lie to Starmer at PMQs would be timing; Starmer asked if Johnson had made the comment in October, but Lister said he heard Johnson use the phrase in September.
Lord Lister’s written evidence also confirms Boris Johnson said in September 2020 that he would rather “let the bodies pile high” than impose another lockdown. This was denied by cabinet ministers when first alleged in April 2021. pic.twitter.com/lb4854Ni4I
— Laura Hughes (@Laura_K_Hughes) November 7, 2023
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