Evidence from Professor Sunetra Gupta, an Oxford University epidemiologist, suggests that former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed support for a Swedish-style approach to the Covid-19 pandemic during a meeting in September 2020.
In the meeting, which included Rishi Sunak and several other scientists, Johnson reportedly sought advice on how to tackle Covid-19. Sweden had implemented less restrictive rules, avoiding nationwide lockdowns, and Professor Gupta, along with Professor Carl Heneghan, advocated for a similar approach.
Although the UK later introduced lockdowns and a tiered system of restrictions, Professor Gupta's comments indicate that Johnson had initially supported the Swedish model. The inquiry is set to hear from Johnson's closest advisers in the coming week regarding the government's decision-making during the pandemic.