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Covid-19 Update
12 May 2021
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about covid-19 update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Government Statement
The Prime Minister announced the easing of lockdown restrictions in England from Monday, following the success of the vaccination programme. He also declared an independent public inquiry on a statutory basis under the Inquiries Act 2005 to examine the UK's pandemic response thoroughly. The Government will consult devolved Administrations before finalising the scope and arrangements for this inquiry. Recognising the burden that such an investigation might place on key institutions during the ongoing fight against the virus, he stated the expected start date of spring 2022. Additionally, a UK commission on covid commemoration was proposed to remember those lost and honour frontline workers.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Question
What assurances can the Prime Minister give that an independent judicial commissioner will be appointed to oversee all aspects of the inquiry, ensuring transparency and independence?
Minister reply
The Government will ensure that the chair of the inquiry has full authority under the Inquiries Act 2005, including powers to compel evidence. The specific details about the chair's appointment will be determined in consultation with all parties.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley
Question
Given that the inquiry may not start until spring 2022, how can we ensure it does not suffer from the same delay issues seen in previous inquiries?
Minister reply
The Government recognises the importance of timely and thorough investigations. We will consult extensively to establish a robust framework for this inquiry, ensuring it starts efficiently once all necessary preparations are complete.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
How does the Prime Minister propose to ensure that the commission on commemoration is inclusive and represents diverse communities affected by the pandemic?
Minister reply
The Government intends for the UK Commission on Commemoration to be representative of all communities. We will work closely with community leaders, organisations, and relevant stakeholders across the United Kingdom to ensure inclusivity.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
The shadow expresses support for both measures announced by the Prime Minister but raises questions about engagement with families, frontline workers, timing of the inquiry's commencement, its terms of reference, and who should chair it. He emphasises that these elements are crucial to ensuring the inquiry has the confidence of all involved.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanked Keir Starmer for his support but reiterated that setting up a statutory inquiry would take time due to ongoing pandemic concerns. He committed to engaging with families, frontline workers, and devolved Administrations in establishing the terms of reference and appointing the chair before spring 2022.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Concerned about the capacity for vaccine rollouts, particularly second jabs and potential booster shots in autumn alongside flu vaccinations.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister assured Caroline Nokes that there is sufficient capacity to handle these simultaneous vaccination campaigns.
Question
Expresses disappointment over the lack of an employment Bill and asks the Prime Minister three specific questions: whether his Government will reverse plans to end furlough in September, cut universal credit uplift, and introduce legislation banning firing and rehiring practices.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister outlined the kickstart programme for young people and a restart programme for long-term unemployed individuals. He emphasised the government's commitment to transitioning from 'jabs' to 'jobs' by investing in infrastructure projects.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
The whole House will welcome the tone and content of what the Prime Minister has said today, and in particular his proper commitment to the transparency of the inquiry. There are 3,500 people across my constituency who are involved in the hospitality sector, and many businesses have invested their own money in making covid adaptations to ensure the safety of their customers when they return. Given the very sensible road map that he has outlined, will he emphasise the increasing role of personal judgment and common sense, rather than Government fiat, as greater normality returns, and with it our hugely valued and much cherished civil liberties?
Minister reply
As my right hon. Friend knows, the hospitality sector in Sutton Coldfield, which I know from my own experience to be wonderful, will, like the rest of the hospitality sector across the country, be able to open up in full on Monday, including indoors. As we go forward, we hope, and I cannot see any evidence to contradict this, that we will be able to open up fully from 21 June—although people will still clearly need to exercise caution and common sense in the way they go about their lives, because the virus, I am afraid, is still going to be present in our lives for a long time to come.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
The public inquiry is very welcome and desperately needed so that the public can understand why the UK has suffered one of the highest death tolls in the world. It is critically important that this inquiry is properly independent and has the confidence of the public, including the bereaved families of the over 127,000 people who so tragically lost their lives. Consulting those families once the inquiry has started is too late. Will the Prime Minister today commit to urgently meeting representatives of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice to consult them on both the chair and the terms of reference for the inquiry?
Minister reply
I can certainly reassure the hon. Lady that the inquiry will be fully independent and that the bereaved and other groups will be consulted on the way it is set up. I meet representatives of the bereaved and indeed bereaved families regularly, and will continue to do so.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
I welcome the announcement on the public inquiry and the timings. The Prime Minister will know that the Science and Technology Committee and the Health and Social Care Committee are doing their own inquiry that is hoping to report in July, so the Government will have an early chance to learn immediate lessons. However, it would be crazy to ask Ministers and officials to spend time with lawyers going through emails, texts and WhatsApps when we want their entire focus to be on the pandemic. As we seek to support the NHS going forward, the pledges on an additional 50,000 nurses are very welcome, but does the Prime Minister know that we also have shortages in nearly every single specialty for doctors? Is now not the moment to overhaul our long-term workforce planning for the NHS so that we can give the public confidence that we really are training enough doctors for the future?
Minister reply
Yes, absolutely. The distinguished former Health Secretary will, I am sure, know that there are now 50,000 more people working in the NHS this year than there were at the same time last year, including about 11,000 more nurses, already, and 6,700 more doctors, but we are going to get even more.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement, particularly for those who have lost family members; I am very conscious of my wife losing her mum, and we all grieve for her especially. The involvement of the Northern Ireland Assembly in the inquiry to look back at this is very important, and I welcome it. Will the Prime Minister outline what discussion has taken place between the devolved regions to ensure parity of travel restrictions so that every area of the UK can be accessed safely? Will he confirm that help will be made available to make travel affordable and encourage people to go to Northern Ireland over the summer so that people can make the most of the great British summer staycation throughout every area of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his excellent question. We of course regularly consult all the devolved Administrations about making sure that travel can continue to flow freely through our United Kingdom. He makes a superb point about the attractions of Northern Ireland as a holiday destination and I hope people take him up on it.
Suzanne Webb
Con
Stourbridge
Question
May I thank the Prime Minister for coming to visit the good residents of Stourbridge last week? Cars stopped, horns were honked and people came out in their droves to say thank you for the success of the vaccine roll-out. Last week, voters made it clear right here in Stourbridge that they want the focus to be on their priorities, not political games, as demonstrated by the fact that I now have Conservative councils in the traditional Labour bastions of Quarry Bank, Lye and Cradley, with more voters coming out than ever before to say this. Does the Prime Minister share my hope that Labour Members will now act constructively with this Government so that they can deliver on those people’s priorities as we build back better?
Minister reply
I much enjoyed my trip to Stourbridge, and my hon. Friend is entirely right in what she says. To return to the point I made to the hon. Lady from the Scottish nationalist party—the Scottish National party—the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Kirsten Oswald), we have the right agenda for the country: this is the right time to build back better with the colossal programme that we have and the investments we are making, but we must also learn the lessons from the pandemic and that is why we are setting up the inquiry in the way that we are.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement, particularly his commitment to an inquiry at the appropriate time. On that, terminology really does count, so can the Prime Minister confirm that it will be not just independent and judge-led, but a statutory public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, with powers to compel witnesses under oath? Most importantly, will bereaved families have a role in setting the terms of the inquiry and be given the full opportunity to give evidence at it?
Minister reply
I would not like to accuse the hon. Gentleman, whom I admire greatly, of having missed my opening statement, but of course it will be a full public independent inquiry under the terms of the 2005 Act, and of course it is right that the bereaved, along with many other groups, should be consulted about the terms of reference.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement, and especially that the inquiry will be independent. Without wishing to prejudge the inquiry, I am anxious about institutions such as Public Health England and how they responded early on to key workers. I hope the inquiry will also congratulate the fantastic doctors, nurses and volunteers who helped roll out over 1.5 million vaccines in Sussex; I am incredibly grateful to all the staff in Uckfield, Crowborough and Hailsham. The Prime Minister can do two things immediately for the care homes in my constituency. First, those who want to reside in a care home currently have to spend 14 days isolated in their room. Will the Prime Minister look again at that isolation period because it impacts so greatly on the physical and mental health of residents? Secondly, the care homes have taken such a big hit, so can we consider putting in place a short financial package to support them so they can support our loved ones throughout this period?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is totally right to raise the work of care homes, and we have put in repeated investments; I think another £1 billion went into supporting care homes throughout the pandemic. She is also right to raise the very painful questions of visiting and the ability of care home residents to leave their care home safely, and in that we have to balance the risks to them as well. We tried to increase the number of visitors they can have, and we hope very soon that greater freedoms will be possible.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Can the Prime Minister reassure the House that the terms of reference of this inquiry will include those suffering from long covid and the diagnosis, treatment and support for those who will no doubt be suffering for the foreseeable future?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes an excellent point, and I am sure the chairman of the inquiry will want to consider that as we set up the inquiry in due course. I certainly do not exclude that the inquiry might want to look at long covid.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
The Prime Minister has talked powerfully about the importance of economic recovery, and it is incumbent on those of us who supported the lockdown to get behind that however we can; if we get it wrong, we will pay the costs of the pandemic twice over. Tomorrow a report will be published describing the opportunities of geothermal investment for our economy, potentially creating over 1,000 new jobs with £100 million of investment by 2025. New jobs, new technologies: that is the key to getting our economic recovery on track. Will the Prime Minister give the report his personal attention and agree to meet me and other MPs who are getting behind this important new industry?
Minister reply
I am very excited by and interested in my hon. Friend’s geothermal plans: they sound good to me, and we are certainly investing in that kind of technology. With £22 billion going into pure R&D, we are putting in record sums for this country, and I am sure that geothermal could be part of the mix of our green industrial revolution.
Alan Brown
SNP
unnamed constituency
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that the inquiry will have to look at the original decision-making process, which failed to control borders and delayed the lockdown while talking about herd immunity, look at the appointment process for Dido Harding to head up the track and trace system and also look at the billions of pounds’ worth of PPE contracts awarded to Tory chums and friends? Will he confirm that the inquiry will have the powers to call for all electronic communications between Government Ministers and their Tory chums who got contracts?
Minister reply
Without in any way accepting the premises of the hon. Member’s questions, I can certainly confirm that it will be a full public inquiry under the 2005 Act, and there will be full powers to compel evidence.
Jonathan Gullis
Con
Stoke-on-Trent North
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister on his statement and asks if he will create a new draught beer duty rate to provide targeted support for breweries and pubs, recognising their importance in local communities.
Minister reply
Thanks Jonathan Gullis for highlighting an advantage of leaving the EU but notes that while they have consulted publicans and brewers on the potential for a differential duty rate on draught beer, responses from the Treasury are awaited.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Asks Boris Johnson to help find expert advice and support for an 11-year-old girl suffering with long covid in Hull and East Riding.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Emma Hardy's concern, invites her to write about the case so they can get the right answers from the Government and secure medical help for Mary.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
Question
Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and enquires if backlogs in elective surgery, cancer treatments, and mental health care will be a priority as they emerge from the pandemic.
Minister reply
Confirms Elliot Colburn's concerns are justified, assures ongoing investment in mental health support and acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Week.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Question
Asks when people advised to seek an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab will be able to book one without being passed from pillar to post.
Minister reply
Promises to look into specific cases raised by Steve McCabe and assist in ensuring timely vaccination appointments.
Mark Logan
Con
Bolton North East
Question
Requests that Bolton receives vaccinations as soon as possible due to high infection rates of the Indian variant.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the increased transmission rate of B.1.617.2 and commits to exploring solutions for surging infections in affected areas.
David Linden
Lab
Wrexham
Question
Asks why people on legacy benefits did not get the £20 uplift that universal credit recipients received.
Minister reply
Defends the Government's financial support measures during the pandemic, highlighting their extensive aid including furlough schemes and grants.
Bob Neill
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Question
Asks for a commitment to restore stroke aftercare and rehabilitation services to pre-pandemic levels as a matter of urgency.
Minister reply
Commits to funding the restoration of stroke care and other NHS services, urging patients to seek immediate treatment.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Asks Boris Johnson to explain why vaccine stockpiles have grown while London was told supplies were low.
Minister reply
Clarifies that the UK has been vaccinating at a steady rate, aiming to ensure every adult receives their vaccination by July end.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Asks for assurance of debate on recommendations from reviews into social distancing before implementation.
Minister reply
Confirms that there will be a chance to debate the recommendations before they are implemented.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Requests commitment to ensure bereaved families receive quality legal representation in the inquiry.
Minister reply
Commits to ensuring bereaved families are supported with necessary resources for quality representation.
Bury South
Question
Asks Boris Johnson to publish social distancing guidance for weddings from next week onwards.
Minister reply
Confirms the rule of 30 will apply to marriages from Monday and promises details about post-21 June guidelines before the end of May.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Urges Boris Johnson to reset relations with English Mayors for a more collaborative approach as they emerge from the pandemic.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Dan Jarvis's suggestion and expresses support for mayoral projects, encouraging proactive governance.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Expresses disgust at the number of assaults on retail workers and requests support for them.
Minister reply
Agrees with MP's sentiment, commits to working with retail sector to reduce such crimes.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Question
Raises concerns about the scope of the inquiry into pandemic response and mentions the impact of initial responses.
Minister reply
Confirms that the inquiry will look back at preparedness before the pandemic.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
Inquires about anomalies in financial support for coach operators designated as tourism operators.
Minister reply
Agrees to arrange a meeting between MP, Transport Secretary, and industry representatives.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Question
Asks for a recovery plan for nurseries affected by the pandemic.
Minister reply
Commits to publishing a comprehensive educational recovery plan soon.
Question
Proposes a covid indemnity scheme to cover last-minute cancellations of events due to ongoing restrictions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for caution and certainty, emphasising that reopenings are based on evidence.
Question
Welcomes the statement but urges support for travel and tourism sectors suffering from a longer time lag.
Minister reply
Emphasises cautious reopening as the best solution for these sectors' recovery.
Question
Asks to widen the green list of countries for international travel and mentions border control resources.
Minister reply
Agrees to review the green list every three weeks, highlighting caution due to new variants.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Discusses concerns over international travel reopening and asks how compromises will be reached if devolved nations' ambitions conflict with UK Government's.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the level of cooperation between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
References ID cards during wartime and suggests their use in test and trace systems now.
Minister reply
Expresses openness to data access but notes that ID card idea is different from current solutions.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Asks for reconsideration of summer cramming plans, proposes use of outdoor education centres.
Minister reply
Welcomes Cumbria’s outdoor education approach and emphasises broad-based recovery efforts.
Mark Harper
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Question
I can tell the Prime Minister that other venues are available and that the Forest of Dean would be fantastically keen to offer itself as a place for outdoor education for children across the United Kingdom. I welcome what the Prime Minister said about being able to say more at the end of this month about relaxing all restrictions by 21 June, but can he confirm that work is under way in Government to make sure that we will learn to live with the consequences of covid as we do with flu and not need to shut down the country again in winter?
Minister reply
There is a difference between a disease such as flu which causes hospitalisations and deaths, and one with the potential to overwhelm the NHS. We need to be certain that we have broken the connection between covid transmission and hospitalisation or death. The Government believes a two-state solution is the best way forward.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
What steps are being taken to provide assistance to Palestinians at this difficult time, given that Israeli forces attacked worshippers and healthcare units in Jerusalem? Will he condemn the actions of the Israeli forces?
Minister reply
The Government is deeply concerned by the scenes in Israel. We want urgent de-escalation by both sides and continue to believe that a two-state solution is the best way forward.
Question
Can he confirm that the inquiry will look at not just actions taken but also what we need to do to build back healthier after this pandemic?
Minister reply
The inquiry should consider the importance of addressing obesity and fitness levels, disparities in public provision, and levelling up efforts across regions.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Can he assure us that the inquiry will include examining and listening to views of experts who questioned the modelling and impact on the poor?
Minister reply
The extreme difficulty of decisions made during the pandemic highlights the need for consideration of these issues by the inquiry.
Question
Can he confirm that the plan is to lift work-at-home guidance as of 21 June, provided we stay on track?
Minister reply
That is certainly our intention, but it depends on the situation with the pandemic. The Prime Minister wants people to wait until more clarity can be given.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Will the Prime Minister apologise for misleading statements about PPE contracts being on record, as required by the ministerial code?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister will consider the matter further.
Question
Following the Queen’s Speech, what reassurances can he give that the Government will continue to pursue an agenda tackling obesity with vigour?
Minister reply
There is a struggle against obesity in Europe and it has medical consequences. The Prime Minister assures his commitment.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Why did the Government deliver nothing on funding for charities, despite promises made previously? What will they do to support our charities now?
Minister reply
The Government has provided huge support for businesses and the economy. Getting non-essential retail opened again is one of the best things that can be done for charities.
Question
Will the Prime Minister join him in thanking local NHS, GPs, community pharmacies, and volunteers who have played a magnificent part in the vaccine roll-out?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks everybody involved in the vaccine roll-out.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
Does he agree that the inquiry should investigate why there was a disproportionate impact on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister agrees with the need to establish facts about the impact on BAME groups and what could have been done to mitigate it.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
My right hon. Friend will be well aware of the tremendous success of the vaccine programme in Harrow; indeed, he visited The Hive vaccination centre very early on during the vaccination programme. What message does he have now for younger people who will be approaching the position where they will be called for their vaccination, so that we can ensure that all adults are vaccinated by the end of July?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend because he is totally right. That is one of the key messages that all of us in this House should be transmitting to adults, who are getting younger and younger now in the groups that we are reaching: “Come forward when you are asked. Get your vaccine. You won’t feel a thing. It is absolutely vital. It is not just good for you; it is good for the whole country, so get it done.”
Question
Earlier, the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, the right hon. Member for South West Surrey (Jeremy Hunt), raised the question of the recruitment and retention of medical staff. Throughout the entire health and social care sectors we could be about to see a big increase in the numbers of staff leaving, either because they delayed their retirement in order to stay on and help until the worst of the crisis was over or, in some cases, because they are simply burnt out with the stress that they have been working under for so long. What specific plans do the Government have to increase the recruitment and retention of staff across the entire spectrum of the health and social care professions?
Minister reply
We actually have 60,000 nurses in training. I am reading every day about the enthusiasm with which people now want to go into that wonderful profession. We have, I think, 11,000 more nurses this year than last year, and we are investing massively in social care to ensure that our older people are looked after properly. One of the reasons we will be bringing forward plans for reform of social care is that I want to see proper join-up between health and social care.
Question
The Times reported at the weekend that there are 120,000 people who are immunocompromised—for instance, those having treatment for cancer. For them, the effectiveness of the vaccine is still unknown. What safety reassurances can my right hon. Friend give to those worried and anxious—the clinically extremely vulnerable—as we continue to unlock?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is totally right to raise the immunocompromised and their continuing anxiety. The risks continue to diminish, as he knows—I think, today, one in 1,340 are estimated to have the virus. The number is going down at the moment quite steeply. As I said earlier to the House, it is much lower than at any time since last summer, or even before. But plainly those who are anxious, who are immuno-compromised, should continue, as I have said, to exercise caution and common sense in the way they go about their lives for some time to come.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Covid has left tens of thousands of people in this country with problems that are remarkably similar to a brain injury. They are going to need long-term neurorehabilitation. When we add them to the 1.4 million people who, before covid came along, had suffered from a brain injury—from carbon monoxide poisoning, concussion in sport, stroke, a traumatic brain injury or foetal alcohol syndrome—that is a phenomenal financial and medical need. I urge the Prime Minister—there still is not anybody in this country who takes sole charge of this area of brain injury. It is a hidden pandemic, because someone cannot often see that the person across the other side of the room is affected. Maybe the Prime Minister should meet a group of us to talk about it, because it affects every single Department of Government and I really want him to take it on, so that all these people get the support that they need.
Minister reply
I am really grateful to the hon. Gentleman. He has raised an extremely important point. I believe that not only brain injury—he is right to raise the 1.4 million people—but brain cancer is an area that is too often neglected in our system and may fall through the cracks. I certainly undertake to get him the meeting that he needs, whether it is with me or the relevant Minister.
Question
Almost every human crisis produces advances in human innovation, and the covid crisis has been no exception. We have seen in the UK what collaboration between academia and the private sector has done in terms of vaccine production. The mRNA vaccines may turn out to be as important as antibiotics in dealing with global disease outbreaks. As soon as we are able to identify the genome of a virus, we will be able to move to rapid vaccine production—something we were unable to do before. What can we in the UK do with our leadership of the G7 and our membership of the G20 and other international organisations to determine global protocols to enable us to be able to move forward in any future pandemic in a less chaotic way than we did on this occasion and to be able to develop global capacity for vaccine productions? Surely if anything is a long-term and valuable legacy of global Britain, it will be this.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend, who is also a doctor, is completely right: necessity is the mother of invention. We have been driven by the pandemic to great, great feats of scientific genius, producing, as he rightly says, the mRNA vaccines at incredible speed—the AstraZeneca vaccine—and the pandemic has meant that the abilities of this country alone to cope have hugely increased. We are now capable of producing a vaccine through the fill and finish plants. We have the new Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre. We have invested in bioreactors across the country. We are much, much more resilient than we were, but we are also leading across the world in making sure that countries co-ordinate and work together on spotting zoonotic diseases earlier, with the research hubs, and making sure that we co-ordinate data and share data much earlier. We are also making sure that there are not the barriers that have, sadly, sprung up between countries to the sharing of supplies and vaccines, so that we have secure supply chains around the world.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary welcomed both the independent inquiry into the pandemic and the UK commission for commemoration. However, he stressed the importance of consulting bereaved families and those on the frontline to ensure their support and confidence in the inquiry. He questioned why the timing could not be earlier and requested clarity on whether 'spring 2022' referred to when work starts or evidence begins. Starmer also emphasised the need for Parliament's involvement in setting terms of reference, addressing wider questions like preparedness and resilience, and achieving broad support for the inquiry chair.
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