Failures of State

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A highlight for 2021 in The Guardian, this work presents a devastating account of the UK's response to the pandemic, showcasing the extraordinary political decisions made by Boris Johnson's government. Meticulously researched, it draws on insights from politicians, emergency planners, scientists, doctors, paramedics, bereaved families, and leaked documents to reveal how the government sleepwalked into disaster and attempted to cover up its failures. This narrative exposes one of the most scandalous failures of political leadership in British history. At the center of the crisis was Boris Johnson, who idolized Winston Churchill but squandered the opportunity to emerge as a hero during the pandemic. His focus on Brexit and personal issues led to missed Cobra meetings, a fluctuating stance on herd immunity, and indecision regarding lockdowns, ultimately overwhelming the NHS with patients. Johnson's inaction contributed to the deaths of thousands and his own hospitalization, while further reckless decisions allowed a deadly second wave to strike as the economy teetered on the edge. With access to key figures in government during this tumultuous year, this account is an exhaustive and thrilling narrative, marking it as one of the most essential pieces of investigative journalism for a generation.