Boris Johnson: Britain's obesity problem has made the fight against Covid more difficult

Boris Johnson will issue a general apology for the government's mistakes in the Covid inquiry next week. Photo: LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images < p>Boris Johnson will argue that Britain's obesity problem has made the fight against coronavirus more difficult and apologize for government failures when he appears before the Covid inquiry next week.

< p>The Telegraph understands the former prime minister will point to a range of health issues affecting the population to argue the UK was at a disadvantage when the pandemic struck.

He will also issue a general apology for the government's failings . Both comments are contained in a draft of his 200-plus page written submission to the inquiry.

Mr Johnson has spent months preparing behind the scenes with a team of lawyers ahead of his appearance at the inquiry next Wednesday and Thursday.

An associate of Mr Johnson told The Telegraph: 'Areas where the government has failed In short, he will definitely apologize. But he will also explain what he needs to do better next time.»

The source added: «The particular public health situation in the UK has put us in a particularly difficult position to cope with this type of pandemic.

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«As a nation, we are fatter, less healthy, there are many factors in our healthcare that are simply facts that make the UK very different from other comparable democracies.»

Relatively high obesity rates in the UK are expected to be noted heart and lung disease — three health problems that increase the risk of death if a person becomes infected with Covid.

Last year, the World Health Organization found that the UK had the fourth highest rate of obesity and weight problems among adults in Europe, behind Israel, Malta and Turkey.

It is unclear exactly what details Mr. Johnson will point to when pressed about mistakes for which he will apologize, although potential areas have emerged in the testimony of other witnesses.

This week Matt Hancock, the health secretary for much of the pandemic, admitted ministers had not put the “protective ring” around people in care homes as he had claimed.

Johnson is expected to vigorously defend his record list in the fight against the pandemic, indicating the speed of the fight against the pandemic. In the UK, the rollout of Covid vaccines has been a key success.

He is said to be open-minded about whether he could have taken a different approach to lockdown, although he claims his concerns were crucial to preventing a fourth national lockdown when the Omicron variant of Covid broke out in winter 2022.

On this front, Mr Johnson is expected to insist he wants to listen to all sides of the debate in Whitehall and argue that his approach is better than that of «authoritarian» national leaders unwilling to change course.

Figures, who spoke to Mr Johnson about his preparations, claim that no «irrefutable» WhatsApp messages will be revealed, although they admit there are some «off-color jokes».

Former PM -The minister will also talk about how his proposals for changes to the government system come from his position as the final decision-maker during the pandemic.

Areas he has been examining in recent months include the role of the cabinet, then how scientific advice is communicated to prime ministers and how the structure of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland working with the UK government can be improved.

An ally of Mr Johnson said: “He wants a UK government Next time we will be able to react better and prepare better.”