Boris Johnson quizzed at Covid-19 inquiry over pandemic's impact on children

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is today giving evidence to the Covid-19 inquiry on the pandemic’s impact on children.

Various restrictions were imposed on schools and other areas of life under Mr Johnson’s leadership in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus in 2020 and 2021.

Schools saw closures, social distancing and classroom bubbles over a period of more than a year.

Rules for schools were frequently changed, making it difficult for teachers to both manage restrictions and teach pupils.

Mr Johnson is expected to defend the decisions taken when he is questioned at the inquiry today.

The long-running process is currently examining how the pandemic affected children.

Last week, former Education Secretary under Mr Johnson Gavin Williamson accused the former PM of “choosing the NHS over children.”

He also claimed there was a “lack of seriousness” in government at the time.

Mr Johnson last appeared at the inquiry in 2023.