Johnson shown evidence of ‘let the virus rip’ comments after denying it was his phrase

At the Covid inquiry, after denying ‘let the virus rip’ was his own phrase, Boris Johnson was shown several instances of how the phrase was recorded as having been used by Johnson in diary entries by chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance. Hugo Keith KC, counsel to the inquiry, also showed evidence of other remarks suggesting No 10 was prepared to allow the virus to spread and that casualties would have ‘had a good innings’.

Johnson said the comments didn’t imply his government wasn’t concerned about the spread of the virus or loss of human life. ‘My position was we had to save human life at all ages,’ said Johnson

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