Boris Johnson said he is now following his plan to gradually facilitate a nationwide foreclosure. (File)
London:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday defended what he called Britain’s “astonishing” efforts to fight coronaviruses, dismissing accusations that his government, with the worst death toll in Europe, failed nothing to be proud of.
So far, more than 40,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the UK epidemic, although this figure reaches more than 50,000 when suspected cases are included.
In both cases, the tally is the worst in Europe and the second highest in the world behind the United States.
“Last week, the Prime Minister said he was proud of the government’s record,” Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labor party, told the House of Commons.
“But there is no pride in these figures, is there?”
Johnson said “we mourn everyone and we mourn for them and for their loved ones and friends” – adding however that it was too early to make international comparisons.
Some experts cautioned against global comparisons, as each country has different reporting methods and deadlines – and the pandemic is far from over.
In a heated exchange with Starmer, Johnson said: “As for what this country has done to fight the epidemic, I must say that I strongly disagree with the way it characterizes it.”
He cited the “amazing achievement” of the National Public Health Service in building a series of emergency hospitals – many of which were barely in use.
“It was an amazing thing that this country came together to roll back, to follow the rules of social distancing … to contain the epidemic as we have done,” he said.
Johnson said he is now following his plan to gradually facilitate a nationwide lockdown, saying, “We have a plan, we are following it and we will stick to it.”
The government has been accused of bringing home orders too late – and now of relaxing them too soon.
Schools started picking up younger students earlier this month, and all shops and outdoor attractions such as zoos will be allowed to open in England next week.
However, the government abandoned its goal of bringing all of the youngest children to school before the July summer vacation on Tuesday, with most unable to do so safely.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
