Boris Johnson's Scottish Kayak Adventure Nearly Ends in Disaster
- Boris Johnson faced a dangerous situation while kayaking in Applecross, struggling against strong winds and rising swells.
- This incident coincided with a political crisis in London regarding the grading system for students affected by the pandemic.
- The government implemented a tiered response to manage Covid-19, ultimately leading to a reopening in December just before Christmas.
During a holiday in Applecross, Boris Johnson found himself in a precarious situation while kayaking. As he attempted to escape the midges, he faced strong winds and rising swells that pushed him away from the shore and safety. This incident occurred amidst a significant political controversy in London regarding the grading system for students unable to take exams due to the pandemic. The government had lifted lockdown measures in July, anticipating a resurgence of Covid-19 in the autumn, which indeed happened. In response, a tiered system was proposed to manage the pandemic's spread, leading to public fear and a desire for clear guidelines. Johnson reflected on the difficult balance between protecting public health and the economy, ultimately deciding to implement the tier system despite its potential risks. By December, the situation had improved enough to allow for a reopening, coinciding with the holiday season, which held personal significance for him as he planned to spend it with his mother, who had faced health challenges during the pandemic.