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Covid Inquiry

All articles tagged with #covid inquiry

health2 months ago

Boris Johnson's Covid Inquiry: Denials, Apologies, and Revelations

Boris Johnson hurriedly left the Covid Inquiry after discussing his controversial decision to close schools during the pandemic, expressing regret and highlighting the chaos in decision-making at the time. The inquiry examined the impact of school closures on children and the government's preparedness, with Johnson acknowledging some measures may have gone too far. The session reflected ongoing debates about pandemic policies and their long-term effects on children.

politics1 year ago

"Nicola Sturgeon's Candid Reflection on Covid Crisis Management"

Nicola Sturgeon denies that her decisions during the Covid pandemic were influenced by Scottish independence, despite admitting to deleting all her WhatsApp messages during the pandemic. She insists that all relevant information has been handed to the UK Covid Inquiry and that her decisions were motivated solely by public health reasons. Sturgeon became emotional during her evidence, expressing regret over not implementing a lockdown earlier and denying claims of seeking political conflict during the pandemic. She also denied a culture of secrecy within her government and emphasized the importance of openness and transparency.

politics1 year ago

"Nicola Sturgeon's Comeback: Navigating the Covid Inquiry"

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon returned to the spotlight at the Covid Inquiry, defending her pandemic approach while facing scrutiny over the deletion of WhatsApp messages and her leadership style. Sturgeon emphasized her government's efforts and decision-making during the crisis, but some critics feel they are not getting the full picture. She expressed regret over not locking down earlier and the loss of life in care homes, while also highlighting her strained relationship with Boris Johnson. Despite her explanations, some key questions remain unanswered for some.

politics2 years ago

Sunak's Critique of Covid Science and Lockdown Communication

Rishi Sunak's evidence at the Covid Inquiry suggests that the costs of lockdown may have outweighed the benefits, based on analysis by Imperial College and Manchester University. Sunak highlighted errors in data collection and analysis, which overestimated transmission rates and prolonged restrictions. He also pointed out that there was scientific dissent within Sage, with conflicting views on issues such as face masks and when infections would peak. Sunak called for a new module in the Covid Inquiry to examine what worked and what did not, as lessons need to be learned.

international2 years ago

Rishi Sunak's Apology to Bereaved Families at Covid Inquiry

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologizes to those affected by the government's pandemic response during the COVID inquiry, acknowledging the need to learn lessons for future preparedness. Sunak, who served as Finance Minister during the pandemic, faces scrutiny over potential harm to public health from prioritizing reopening. The inquiry also examines Sunak's "Eat out to help out" scheme and seeks accountability for the UK's handling of the COVID pandemic.

europe2 years ago

Sunak's Leadership Tested: Lockdown Impacts, Standing Ground, and Scientist Consultation

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a challenging week as he testifies at an official inquiry into the Covid pandemic and defends his controversial immigration policy. While expressing sorrow for the country's Covid death toll, Sunak avoids criticizing his predecessor Boris Johnson. Meanwhile, right-wing Conservative lawmakers are debating his revised policy of deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda, causing fractures within the party. Sunak faces the possibility of a rebellion that could derail the policy, adding to the scrutiny of his role as chancellor and party leader.

politics2 years ago

Boris Johnson's Controversial COVID-19 Legacy: Accusations and Denials

Boris Johnson faced criticism during his testimony at the Covid inquiry for showing "shocking disrespect" towards bereaved families by claiming it was unfair to expect him to stop parties held by "hard-working" aides in Downing Street during lockdown. He also dismissed media coverage and TV adaptations of the No 10 parties as "absurd" and "a travesty of the truth." Johnson defended his staff, stating they thought they were following the rules and were unfairly maligned. He rejected the idea that he could have done more to prevent the illegal events, arguing that staff did not properly understand the rules and were under intense pressure. Bereaved families and disability organizations expressed anger at his remarks.

politics2 years ago

Boris Johnson's Apology Interrupted as Covid Inquiry Reveals Truth

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson admits during his testimony at the Covid inquiry that he should have recognized the seriousness of the pandemic earlier and taken earlier action. He defends his record in office, stating that the timing of the first lockdown was based on incorrect modeling and advice not to impose measures too early. Johnson acknowledges a "certain amount of incoherence" in the government's thinking but insists that once they decided to act, it was done swiftly. He apologizes for the pain and suffering caused by the pandemic and acknowledges underestimating the scale and pace of the challenge. Johnson also addresses issues such as the gender balance in his team, his inability to retrieve WhatsApp messages, and his decision to keep Matt Hancock as health secretary.

politics2 years ago

"Boris Johnson's Testimony: Unmasking the Truth at the Covid Inquiry"

The Covid inquiry in the UK has been examining the country's handling of the pandemic, including the leadership of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Claims have been made that Johnson was confused by scientific details and prioritized writing a book over preparing for the crisis. Now, Johnson will have the opportunity to explain his decisions and the reasons behind them, with grieving relatives expecting an apology and speculation of a potential political comeback.

politics2 years ago

"Boris Johnson's Apology Interrupted as Hecklers Grill him at Covid Inquiry"

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face two days of questioning at the Covid inquiry, where he is expected to apologize for mistakes made during the pandemic. Johnson's handling of the crisis has been heavily criticized by former colleagues, including claims of dithering and delay on key decisions. However, some figures have defended Johnson's leadership style. Johnson will have the opportunity to present his version of events and address allegations made against him during the inquiry. Bereaved families hope to challenge Johnson on his actions and decisions during the pandemic. The inquiry has requested Johnson's WhatsApp messages, but he has been unable to provide communications from February to June 2020 due to a technical issue.

politics2 years ago

"Boris Johnson's Covid Inquiry Appearance: Shaping His Legacy"

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to appear at the Covid inquiry next week, facing at least 12 hours of questioning by a top barrister. This appearance could shape his post-power image and legacy, as it will be conducted under oath and in the presence of media and bereaved relatives. Johnson's approach is expected to involve accepting some mistakes, taking responsibility, and highlighting successes such as the vaccine rollout. However, witnesses in the inquiry have portrayed a prime minister who struggled with decision-making and was influenced by others' opinions. Revelations about the toxic culture within Downing Street and Johnson's controversial statements have also been unsettling. The inquiry will focus on decision-making at the top of government and may shed light on the timing of lockdowns and the impact of the culture within No 10.

politics2 years ago

Matt Hancock's Covid Inquiry Testimony: Reflections on Lockdown Timing and School Closures

Former UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock testified at the Covid inquiry, stating that school closures in January 2021 could have been avoided if action had been taken earlier in the autumn. Hancock claimed that avoiding a lockdown led to tougher measures later on and accused local leaders, such as Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, of prioritizing politics over public health. He also revealed WhatsApp messages from October 2020 expressing concerns about pressure from then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak to not take sufficient action. Hancock acknowledged that his breach of social distancing guidelines by kissing his aide damaged public confidence in the rules.

politics2 years ago

Sir Patrick Vallance's Diaries Expose Boris Johnson's Struggles with Covid Response

Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser during the pandemic, has provided evidence at the public inquiry into Covid. Extracts from his diaries have been read in court, revealing concerns about the government's handling of the crisis. Vallance expressed worry that ministers were using scientists as "human shields" and manipulating scientific advice to suit their decisions. The diaries also shed light on disagreements over lockdown restrictions, the Dominic Cummings controversy, and the prime minister's inconsistent decision-making. Vallance's entries highlight tensions within the government and the influence of different factions.

politics2 years ago

Covid inquiry exposes shocking failures and Boris Johnson's obsession with older people's fate

Helen McNamara, the second most senior civil servant in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to appear at the Covid inquiry. Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's former senior adviser, had criticized her in written evidence, highlighting internal conflicts within the government. McNamara will be questioned about the government's response to the pandemic and the impact of the departure of her boss, Mark Sedwill. The inquiry aims to hold the government accountable and learn lessons from the handling of the pandemic.

covid-192 years ago

"UK Covid Inquiry Sheds Light on Great Barrington Declaration's Impact"

The UK Covid inquiry has faced criticism for its handling of dissenting viewpoints, particularly regarding the Great Barrington Declaration, which proposed an alternative approach to lockdowns. Senior scientists, including the UK Chief Scientific Adviser, were found to have used unprofessional language towards lockdown critics. The inquiry also demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Declaration's intentions and misrepresented its recommendations. Critics argue that the inquiry's treatment of dissenting views undermines its ability to assess the necessity and proportionality of government actions during the pandemic.