PM accused of ‘U-turn’ by declining to meet bereaved

Boris Johnson has been accused of a fresh U-turn after declining to meet campaigners representing families bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister said “of course I will meet the bereaved” when questioned last week in an inter view about attempts by the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group to secure a meeting.

But the campaigners trying to secure a swift pub - lic inquiry into the government’s handling of the crisis shared a letter from Mr Johnson in which he “regrettably” declined to meet the group.

“It’s a U-turn followed by a U-turn,” said campaign co-founder Jo Goodman, who lost her father Stuart to the virus.

“The Prime Minister has done a 360: dodging five letters, then agreeing on live TV to meet with us, and now quietly telling us he’s too busy. It’s heartless.”

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran had ear lier written to the Prime Minister saying she was “shocked” to learn that he had “refused” to meet the group – which says it represents 1,600 families.

Last week Mr Johnson told Sky News: “I am not aware of those letters but I will of course write back. Of course I will meet the bereaved.”

But writing to Ms Goodman, the Prime Minister said: “As much as I would wish to be able to offer my condolences in person to all those who have suffered loss, that is regrettably not possible and so I am unable to meet with you and members of Bereaved Families for Justice.”