As Britain marks five years since its first Covid lockdown, a disturbing pattern has emerged from the right-wing media and political circles: a coordinated attempt to rewrite pandemic history and undermine the official inquiry into the government's handling of the crisis.
The Cost of Delay and Denial
The stark figure of 23,000 preventable deaths continues to haunt Britain's pandemic narrative, representing those who lost their lives because Boris Johnson's government delayed implementing necessary lockdown measures. While Covid swept across Europe with terrifying speed, and images of temporary morgues in Italy circulated globally, the then-prime minister was reportedly on holiday, riding his motorbike, walking his dog, and entertaining friends at Chevening.
This wasn't merely about one flawed leader, but about an entire libertarian ideology that has consistently opposed life-saving measures throughout modern history. From seatbelts and smoking restrictions to vaccination programmes and climate action, this faction has repeatedly positioned itself against scientific consensus and public health protections.
The Anti-Science Brigade's Pandemic Campaign
Leading figures from the Telegraph, Spectator, Daily Mail, and GB News have intensified their attacks on the Covid inquiry chaired by former high court judge Heather Hallett. High-profile sceptics including Daniel Hannan, Toby Young, Peter Hitchens, and Nigel Farage have competed to claim credit for being among the first to oppose lockdown measures, despite overwhelming evidence that such restrictions saved lives.
Their arguments often point to Sweden's voluntary approach as proof that lockdowns were unnecessary. However, this comparison ignores crucial differences in social structure, national wealth, and healthcare systems between the two countries. More tellingly, when comparing Sweden with its similar neighbour Norway, which implemented lockdowns, the data shows Sweden suffered 2,759 deaths per million compared to Norway's 1,050 - clear evidence that restrictions worked.
Weighing the Consequences
The inquiry faces the difficult task of evaluating whether the enormous cost of lockdowns - estimated by the House of Commons library at between £310 billion and £410 billion - was justified by the number of lives saved, predominantly among elderly citizens. Future modules will examine the collateral damage: children missing education, isolated elderly dying alone, increased domestic violence, and the economic devastation.
Johnson's alleged comment about letting "the bodies pile high" reveals a deeply concerning attitude toward governance, particularly when more than 45,000 care home residents died after hospitals discharged untested patients into their facilities.
While legitimate debate about the balance between economic costs and lives saved is necessary, the current attacks on the inquiry represent something more dangerous: an attempt to discredit the very concept of evidence-based public health policy that could leave Britain vulnerable in future pandemics.
