Michael Gove has apologised for arguing tighter restrictions were needed over Christmas to curb the spread of Covid.
The levelling up secretary claimed he had made a “mistake” by attempting to persuade the Prime Minister to enforce tighter measures amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Mr Gove was reportedly among a small group of cabinet ministers – including health secretary Sajid Javid – pushing for further restrictions in December.
At the time, he admitted to being “deeply concerned” by the spread of Omicron after worst-case scenarios modelled by scientists suggested it could spark a wave of hospitalisations which could overwhelm the NHS.
Speaking to TalkRadio’s Julia Hartley-Brewer, Mr Gove said: “In Cabinet, I was concerned that we may need additional restrictions and argued for them. I was wrong, while the Prime Minister and Chancellor were right.
