LONDON (UK) – Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke on the first anniversary of Britain’s first lockdown, saying everyone’s efforts had allowed the country to start “on the cautious road” to easing restrictions. He praised the “great spirit” shown by the country in tackling COVID-19.
“Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history,” Johnson said, adding, “We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. It’s because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS (National Health Service) was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.”
With Britain suffering one of the highest death tolls from the coronavirus, Johnson has come under fire for moving too slowly last year to tackle the first and second waves of the pandemic, with some accusing him of prioritising the economy over health.
But since then, his government has overseen a successful vaccine rollout, reaching more than half of the adult population, and a cautious approach to easing the latest lockdown.