In Johnson’s Britain, some lives are more equal than others

When I visited Cambridge, I found desperate inequality. Yet while people struggle, the government looks on and laughs, writes Aditya Chakrabortty

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The infamous footage of aides to Mr Johnson caught on camera in Downing Street laughing about how to handle news of an illicit Christmas party at No. 10 goes to the heart of how the UK is run. Photo: Adrian Dennis/PA Wire

The already infamous footage of aides to Boris Johnson caught on camera in Downing Street laughing about how to handle news of an illicit Christmas party at No. 10 is not at heart a Westminster story. It is much, much bigger than that. 

Yes, it will be recounted by lobby journalists and illustrated with clips from prime minister’s questions, but this episode dwarfs the usual tittle-tattle and tales of Peppa Pig. This one goes to the heart of how this country is run, because it is a story about fairness. About them and us. About who can’t see their mum on her deathbed on a Covid ward and who enjoys an evening of cheese and wine, fun games and a secret Santa.