There is a science called "complex system theory".
The basic outline: If you respond to complex problems (like an exponentially spreading virus outbreak) with a simple solution, it is inevitable to fail.
There are many, many examples in history.
EDIT: And Boris is as simple as simple can be.
Is it a complex problem though? Or is it pretty simple - a virus is spreading which needs to be contained. Time will tell whether "flattening the curve" was the correct approach.
Agreed - Boris is an ass-hat. However, for once he's actually deferring these decisions to medical professionals.
There is a valid point of criticism on most decision makers at the time. They listen a lot to medical pros and virologists, but epidemiologists and economists are seen sparingly. These would be more important. So Boris leaves it up to fate. Well, good luck! The brits will need it.
A pandemic is indeed of complex nature, in all its details. It's defined by "uncontrolled" spread, world wide. So you can't contain it, just slow it down.
If you don't slow it down, you're fucked. That's the only simple aspect of this problem.
People will panic, hospitals will break down, their staff will break down too. China, Italy as role models.
But if Boris' experts are more competent that the WHO's, they might even be right.
But if i would lead a nation, i wouldn't gamble with the life and health of my people.
EDIT:
cnn.com
A woman at an Australian supermarket allegedly pulls a knife on a man in a confrontation over toilet paper. A Singaporean student of Chinese ethnicity is beaten up on the streets of London and left with a fractured face. Protesters on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion welcome cruise passengers by hurling abuse and rocks at them.
The coronavirus risks bringing out the worst in humanity.
now extrapolate that...