Johnson’s comments came after the announcement of plans for local authorities to have new powers to implement local blockades to respond to increases in coronavirus cases.
Despite global criticism of the UK’s response to the pandemic, Johnson defended the government and insisted that “many things … went very, very well.” He pointed to fast-building Nightingale hospitals across the country, the UK trial that led to dexamethasone becoming a possible treatment for coronavirus and the country’s extensive licensing scheme.
In the extensive interview, Johnson also discussed his plans to shake up the university education system. Specifically, he said that the prices of university courses would be reviewed. “Actually, it would have been much more sensible if the courses had been priced differently. We’re certainly seeing all of that.”
A greater focus on technical education would also support the production of new technology in the United Kingdom, Johnson argued, referring to the United Kingdom’s ban on Huawei 5G equipment.
“Let’s start doing some of these things ourselves, working with … like-minded countries, and setting things up. The potential is huge, whether it’s 5G or full fiber or gigabit or super-fast broadband, the UK really can excel at all of those, “he said.
