Boris Johnson appoints chair of Covid public inquiry – but bereaved say it ‘comes far too late’

Boris Johnson has appointed crossbench peer Baroness Hallett to chair the long-awaited public inquiry into the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The inquiry – to be launched in spring 2022 – will be given powers to summon witnesses, including ministers and advisers, under oath, and to compel the release of documents related to the crisis.

Lady Hallett – a former high-court judge – previously acted in the inquests of the 52 victims of the 7/7 bombings, and is currently acting as coroner in the inquest into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 following exposure to the nerve agent novichok.

While welcoming her appointment, the organisation Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, which has been pushing for an independent inquiry, said: “Whilst this news is very welcome, unfortunately it comes too late.

“We’ve been calling for an inquiry since the end of the first wave, and we will never know how many lives could have been saved had the government had a rapid review phase in summer 2020. With the omicron variant upon us, the inquiry really cannot come soon enough.”

The group also urged the prime minister to consult them on the terms of reference, adding: “The inquiry could and should be a historic and positive process from which the terrible suffering and loss of the past 18 months are learned from, to ensure these tragedies are not repeated in the future. Today is finally a positive step in making that happen.

“This is a one-off, historic opportunity to learn lessons to protect lives across the country. We cannot afford to get it wrong and we look forward to working closely with Baroness Hallett to make it a success.”

Mr Johnson, who resisted previous calls for a rapid inquiry into his administration’s handling of the Covid pandemic, has told MPs the public inquiry, which will place the “state’s actions under the microscope”, will be launched in spring 2022.

In a statement on Wednesday, the prime minister said: “I want to thank Baroness Hallett for agreeing to take on the position of chair of the Covid-19 inquiry.

“She brings a wealth of experience to the role and I know shares my determination that the inquiry examines in a forensic and thoroughgoing way the government’s response to the pandemic.”

Lady Hallett said: “I am honoured to be appointed to chair the Covid-19 inquiry. The pandemic has affected us all, some much worse than others. I am acutely conscious of the suffering it has caused to so many.

“In the new year I shall be seeking views from those who have lost loved ones and all other affected groups about the inquiry’s terms of reference.

“I want to assure the British public that, once the terms of reference are finalised, I shall do my utmost to ensure the inquiry answers as many questions as possible about the UK’s response to the pandemic so that we can all learn lessons for the future.”