During his testimony at the Covid-19 inquiry, Sir Patrick Vallance revealed that it had been difficult to get UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to understand certain information. Vallance, who is the UK’s Chief Scientific Advisor, discussed his interactions with Johnson during the early days of the pandemic and admitted that it had been “hard work” at times trying to get the Prime Minister to grasp the complexities of the situation.
Vallance also spoke about the leaks that had occurred from public health advisory groups Sage and Spi-B, and how these had created issues. The leaks had resulted in certain information being reported in the media before it was formally announced, causing confusion and concern among the public.
In one diary entry presented to the inquiry, dating back to January 2020, Vallance wrote that he did not believe it was “inevitable” that Covid-19 would spread. This further emphasises the challenges faced by the scientific community and politicians alike in understanding the potential severity of the pandemic.
The testimony given by Vallance highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding between scientific advisors and policymakers during a crisis. The difficulties faced by Vallance in informing the Prime Minister of the risks posed by Covid-19 serve as a reminder of the importance of effective communication in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the public
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