Brexit obsession left UK vulnerable to COVID, ex-Cabinet Office director reveals

A former official said the UK Government neglected its pandemic preparedness due to its obsession with Brexit, adding that the government did not plan for lockdowns, social support, or PPE, and ignored the health inequalities and vulnerabilities of the poor and ethnic minorities.

T he UK government’s lack of preparedness for the COVID pandemic was due to its focus on plans for a no-deal Brexit, as confirmed by Katharine Hammond, former director of the civil contingencies secretariat in the Cabinet Office, when she gave evidence to the COVID Public Inquiry.

Lockdowns, social restrictions, economic collapse, and financial support for individuals were not considered in any meaningful sense.