Boris Johnson thinks the UK's coronavirus response has been a success. What planet is he living on?

The government's self-proclaimed triumphs certainly aren't apparent to Kate Osamor's constituents

Despite our small population, the UK has the fifth-highest number of deaths in the world (AFP/Getty)

Boris Johnson claims “there will be many people looking now at our apparent success”. Of all the lies foisted on the British public, all the empty slogans, all the promises on the side of buses, this could yet prove the greatest.

The government reports that over 26,000 people have died of coronavirus so far; the real number is estimated to be over 45,000. Despite our small population, the UK has the fifth-highest number of deaths in the world: of every 10 lives the virus claims around the world, one is British.

We already have an inkling of how this came to pass: the government ignored Exercise Cygnus. They failed to test, trace and quarantine. They failed to procure PPE. While other governments announced lockdowns, our prime minister missed Cobra meetings, mused about herd immunity and boasted of shaking hands with infected patients. Less Churchill, more bumbling First World War general sending unequipped troops over the hill.