Is the government behind the curve in tackling the coronavirus outbreak?

Ministers insist that they have acted in accordance with scientific advice at all times, but the final reckoning might be less flattering, writes Andrew Grice

Matt Hancock – this government has missed a number of deadlines, so how can we trust them? (EPA)

The mantra of Boris Johnson and his ministers is: “We have taken the right measures at the right time.” When asked, the government’s medical and scientific advisers agree (but they have to).

But some outside experts and UK politicians believe the government has been off the pace, and behind the international curve, in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet medical journal, said recently that he believes valuable time was lost in February when the government should have moved more quickly to ensure more testing, continued contact tracing of those who tested positive for the virus and securing enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers.