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.Admitting that it can't be contained and focussing on slowing it down so that the country's health service doesn't get overwhelmed is exactly what current British policy is attempting to do. Trying to smooth the curve. You seem to arguing against yourself here.
And no, I'm not defending BoJo. He's a fkn disaster for UK but at least he's not making unilateral decisions without any consultation.
We won't know for a while which countries over-reacted and which under-reacted. In the meantime, I have plenty of tea, crumpets and a stiff upper lip. Should suffice. Isolationism is in the British genes.