Boris to come out fighting at Covid Inquiry grilling

BORIS Johnson will fight to defend his pandemic record as he faces a marathon grilling by the Covid inquiry today.

- Sam Lister

The former prime minister will steer clear of personal attacks despite the onslaught of abuse he has faced from some former colleagues, but will give a robust defence of the UK's performance during the crisis.

A source close to the ex-PM said: "The Government got the big calls right on Covid and, under Boris's leadership, the UK had the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe.

"Boris got us out of lockdown quicker than other European countries and got the economy moving again quicker than other nations.

"The UK did not perform the worst in Covid contrary to some claims."

Mr Johnson faces two days of intensive questioning by top barristers about how he led the Government's response to the pandemic.

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It is thought he will repeat apologies made for the shortcomings of the government but will defend his record of getting major decisions right.