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Covid-19 Inquiry LIVE: Long-awaited probe into UK’s handling of pandemic begins in London
he Covid-19 Inquiry examining the nation’s handling of the pandemic begins on Tuesday morning – in what families bereaved by coronavirus have described as a “monumental” moment.
Those who lost loved ones will have their voices formally heard at last when the investigation – which is set to last years and cost more than £100million – kicks off in west London, two years after former prime minister Boris Johnson announced a public inquiry would be held.
The independent inquiry is expected to open at 10am with a statement by chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett.
An emotive video featuring people from across the UK sharing their experiences of loss – which has been described as “difficult to watch” – will then be played to the hearing, which is open to the public.
The inquiry is split into six modules, with public hearings scheduled to conclude by summer 2026, and interim reports published before then.
The first module of the inquiry is expected to last around six weeks, and focus on whether the pandemic was properly planned for and “whether the UK was adequately ready for that eventuality”.
Live updates
Bereaved families demonstrate outside hearing
Members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group are demonstrating outside the west London venue where the UK Covid-19 Inquiry is due to begin shortly.
Photos show some weeping, as they hold up photographs of loved ones whose lives were claimed by coronavirus.
Voices of those who suffered most to be heard at last
Grieving families who lost loved ones during the pandemic will have their voices heard at last when the Covid-19 Inquiry begins this morning.
An emotive video featuring people from across the UK sharing their experiences of loss – which has been described as “difficult to watch” – will be played to the hearing following chairwoman Lady Hallett’s opening statement.
Leshie Chandrapala, whose father Ranjith – a bus driver from north-west London – died with Covid in May 2020 described today as “a monumental day” for families like hers who are still seeking answers.
She believes her father could still be alive today, had he and other bus drivers been better protected while working at the pandemic’s height.
“We want to learn the lessons so that in future pandemics we’re not going to have a death toll near as much as a quarter of a million people,” she told Sky News.
“My dad was a key worker and I need to know what measures were in place and how the Department for Transport, TFL, the bus operators, were working together to keep those bus drivers safe.”
What to expect from the first day of the inquiry
Good morning, and welcome to the Standard’s live blog. We’ll be bringing you updates throughout the first day of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Today’s session will open with a statement from chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett, followed by a short film showing the impact of the pandemic, featuring people who lost loved ones to coronavirus.
The rest of the opening day will be taken up with the opening statements by the counsel to the inquiry and core participants.
The inquiry will “examine, consider and report on preparations and the response to the pandemic in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland” up to and including June 28, 2022.
Six weeks of hearings are planned for the first module of the inquiry, which will focus on resilience and preparedness.
For a closer look at the inquiry and what to expect, click here.
