UK scientists hit back at attempts to discredit scientific basis for lockdown

Letter seeks to dispel view that Prof Neil Ferguson was single architect of lockdown idea

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A group of leading UK scientists have insisted that the scientific basis for the coronavirus lockdown is the work of a large group of experts, and that epidemiologist Prof Neil Ferguson is just one voice among many.

In a letter co-ordinated by Dr Thibaut Jombart, an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, more than 25 prominent scientists said debates after Ferguson's individual error" - in which he flouted lockdown rules by receiving visits at home from his lover - had amplified a misconception that he alone persuaded the government to change policy.