London: The British government is facing growing questions about its preparedness for the pandemic after it was revealed Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not attend five security (COBR) meetings on the issue, as the virus ravaged Italy and other countries around the world.

Current and former cabinet ministers rushed to defend Johnson in the wake of the Sunday Times investigation, saying it was rare for prime ministers to attend every COBR meeting. Johnson is still recovering from the coronavirus infection that led to him being admitted to intensive care.

Responding to the criticisms, Michael Gove, one of the four cabinet ministers overseeing the government's response, said any suggestion Johnson had not cared about the government response was "grotesque".

Gove and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson both denied the claims that Britain had failed to prepare properly for the pandemic both in the long term and in the weeks running up to the lockdown.