The Covid Inquiry has published its first in a series of reports and recommendations following the conclusion of its first investigation, Module 1: the resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom
19th July 2024
The Inquiry found that the UK government and the devolved nations had failed its citizens in its emergency planning. The structures and institutions were too complex.
There were significant flaws underpinning the assessment of risks, how they and their consequences could be managed and how they could be responded to.
The UK, in preparing only for an influenza pandemic, prepared for the wrong pandemic. 10 recommendations are made for radical reform to the way in which the civil contingency structures prepare for whole system civil emergencies.
10 recommendations are made for radical reform to the way in which the civil contingency structures prepare for whole system civil emergencies. A copy of the report by The Rt Hon the Baroness Hallett DBE Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry is here.
Bridget Dolan KC and Rachel Spearing acted for the Health Security Agency, Debra Powell KC and Susanna Rickard acted for Public Health Wales, Ed Pleeth and Frances McClenaghan acted for the Cabinet Office and Sarah Simcock acted for the Department of Energy.
The Inquiry continues with a further 8 modules due to address various aspects of the pandemic including the central government response, PPE procurement and the government’s economic response. Hearings are expected to conclude in 2026.
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