UK COVID-19 Inquiry Finds Delayed Lockdown Led to 23,000 Excess Deaths: "Too Little, Too Late"

Nov 21, 2025 02:10 am CST

An official UK inquiry has concluded that the government's "too little, too late" response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly delaying mandatory lockdown by one week in March 2020, resulted in approximately 23,000 excess deaths. Led by Baroness Heather Hallett, the investigation revealed significant failings in decision-making structures and highlighted toxic culture within Downing Street that undermined effective crisis management. The report makes 19 recommendations to better prepare the UK for future pandemics.