Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Public Inquiry

Thursday 13 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed that the inquiry's detailed terms of reference will be set out in due course and will be the subject of consultation.
  • The Minister thanked Diana R. Johnson for her work on the infected blood inquiry and confirmed the wish to involve the bereaved as much as possible.
  • The Minister stated that the process for setting up the inquiry will be done carefully and properly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
NHS
Context

Discussions on the formal start of a public inquiry into the covid-19 pandemic have not been prioritised, and the terms of reference are yet to be set.

Question

What discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on formally starting the public inquiry into the covid-19 pandemic. I thank the Minister for that answer, but it would appear that discussions on this have not been a priority. The terms of reference for the inquiry have not even been set yet.

Answer from Michael Ellis

We have appointed a very senior figure from the judiciary—a recently retired lady justice of appeal from the Court of Appeal. The Prime Minister has confirmed that the inquiry's detailed terms of reference will be set out in due course, and the bereaved families and other groups will be consulted before they are finalised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about faith in the inquiry was not addressed directly; instead, assurances were given on consultation processes.

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Q2 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Democracy & Elections
Context

Discussions on the formal start of a public inquiry into the covid-19 pandemic have not been prioritised, and the terms of reference are yet to be set.

Question

The Minister has confirmed that detailed terms of reference will be set out in due course. However, given the Prime Minister's distant relationship with the truth, can he outline exactly how the public, including bereaved families, can have any faith in this inquiry at all?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The process will be done carefully and properly and with consultation and consideration for all.

Not addressed: The question about faith in the Prime Minister was changed to a general statement on proper process.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
NHS
Context

The infected blood inquiry prioritised the involvement of affected individuals in setting terms of reference.

Question

Might the Paymaster General consider the approach that was adopted when the infected blood inquiry was set up, whereby those infected and affected have been at the heart of the consultation around the terms of reference? Sir Brian Langstaff made it his first priority to ensure that those people were at the very heart of the infected blood inquiry that he now so ably chairs.

Answer from Michael Ellis

May I take this opportunity to thank the right hon. Lady again for the support she has provided and the work she has done on the infected blood inquiry? In answer to her question, of course it would be the wish of everyone concerned to involve the bereaved as much as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about involvement in terms of reference was not directly addressed; instead, general appreciation was given and a vague commitment made.

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