This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On December 12, 2019, the Conservative Party secured a significant majority in the UK general election, paving the way for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fast-track Britain's departure from the European Union.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic soon put Johnson's leadership to the test. His initial response was marked by a lack of seriousness, with him boasting of shaking hands with patients and refusing to impose a nationwide lockdown despite rising cases.
As the situation worsened, Johnson's rhetoric shifted, but his actions remained inconsistent. On March 18, he stated, 'We live in a land of liberty,' while also acknowledging 'how it seems to go against the freedom-loving instincts of the British people.'
However, the British public disagreed, with a nationwide lockdown declared on March 23 receiving widespread support at 93 percent. The policy remained popular for the next two months, despite the press focusing on easing restrictions.
Tragically, Johnson's delay in imposing the lockdown led to an estimated 20,000 deaths, according to one estimate. This calamitous misjudgment highlights Johnson's prioritization of liberty over people's lives.
Johnson's approach to Brexit and the pandemic is rooted in a libertarian nationalism that eschews state regulations. While this style of politics may have contributed to his rise to power, it is ill-suited to addressing complex issues like a pandemic.
