Sir Patrick Vallance

Critics of Covid lockdowns had considerable support among scientists but academics stayed silent for fear it could damage their careers, an expert has said. Professor Robert Dingwall claims that those who voiced opinions going against the consensus during the pandemic 'paid a price for trying to voice loyal opposition'. The former Government Covid advisor said those in scientific circles who had concerns about the impact of lockdowns on society were cowed by the potential consequences they could face professionally. In the years that have followed the pandemic concerns have been raised about how the closing of schools affected children's education, while NHS waiting lists for treatment have soared. It comes as a new survey found that almost 70 per cent of British academics say they believe more thought should have been given to how shutting down the country would impact society....read