Lockdown delay for Covid-19 was one of most 'important public health failures' in UK experience

The MPs said the “decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic – and the advice that led to them – rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced”.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was scrutinised and criticised heavily in the report. Picture: PA 

Serious errors and delays at the hands of the UK Government and scientific advisers cost lives during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a damning report from British MPs.

The study, from the cross-party British Science and Technology Committee and the Health and Social Care Committee, said the UK’s preparation for a pandemic was far too focused on flu, while ministers waited too long to push through lockdown measures in early 2020.