The audience at the recent Question Time session showed approval for panelists who criticized a Conservative MP for his party’s handling of the Covid pandemic. During the event in Loughborough, Leicestershire, two individuals asked Tory MP Joe Robertson if he would offer an apology for the Conservative Party’s mistakes in managing the pandemic. This request followed a recent revelation that Boris Johnson’s delayed lockdown measures resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. The Inquiry chair, Baroness Heather Hallett, described a “toxic culture” within the government related to the Partygate scandal.
Although not part of the government at the time, MP Joe Robertson faced criticism during Question Time. Fellow panelist Josh Babarinde, MP for Eastbourne, accused Robertson of evading responsibility when asked to apologize for the party’s errors. Babarinde highlighted the disappointment felt by the nation due to the government’s handling of the crisis, referencing a report that exposed a negative culture within Downing Street.
Babarinde further suggested that Boris Johnson should issue a public apology and be barred from holding public office due to the government’s failures. The audience applauded Babarinde, a 32-year-old social entrepreneur, for his directness in challenging Robertson’s responses to the audience’s questions.
During the discussion, a young man in the crowd urged Robertson to apologize for the lives lost during the pandemic, citing early warning signs from China and Italy. Despite his background in charitable work, Robertson did not offer an apology, leading to further criticism from Babarinde and the audience.
Comedian Zoe Lyons, also part of the panel, criticized the government’s decisions during the pandemic, particularly pointing out the leadership of Boris Johnson as a significant flaw. Her comments resonated with the audience, resulting in additional applause.