It is independent, and run by senior judge Baroness Hallett, who has been visibly fair in her role. Being statutory, established under the Inquiries Act 2005, and with the chair able to run it as she deems fit, it has no political agenda. It is an investigatory tribunal, and nobody is on trial.
Even so, the reputations of many politicians and civil servants are being tested. The final report, which will focus on institutional and “structural” factors, may still criticise or censure key players. There is a human factor.
Thus far, there have been some notable winners and losers. Matt Hancock, who was health secretary for most of the pandemic, is a case in point. And on Wednesday and Thursday next week, Boris Johnson will offer his testimony…
How did Matt Hancock do?
He endured one of the more difficult cross-examinations yesterday. Some of the previous witnesses had been devastatingly critical of Hancock during the pandemic and were similarly inclined while giving their testimony, so he was on the defensive coming into the inquiry. Cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill; his deputy, Helen MacNamara; the chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance; Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s adviser, and Johnson himself had all been disparaging – variously accusing Hancock of misleading them, about Covid/infection control and preparedness plans, and critical of his administrative ability. Others, such as Dominic Raab and Michael Gove, expressed a higher opinion of him. It’s fair to say that the questioning from Hugo Keith KC didn’t entirely repair Hancock’s standing. In particular, Hancock was unable to prove he had told Johnson to impose a national lockdown on 13 March 2020. Here’s a typical exchange:
この記事は The Independent の December 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Independent の December 01, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Drunk, dissatisfied but full of depth: the man who tore down the highway to hell
Before he died aged 33 in 1980, Bon Scott left an indelible mark on AC/DC. On the 50th anniversary of his induction into the hard rock band, Mark Beaumont remembers a musician who became an icon of rock’n’roll anti-conformity
A fitness routine with real benefits eight hours later
Wellness expert Nicola Elliott looks at one thing we can all do that will make our nine-to-five feel happier and healthier
Australia beat the rain and England to win tight series
Ben Duckett’s century was overshadowed by England’s batting collapse in Bristol before the forecast rain arrived too late to spare them from an ODI series defeat to Australia.
Tension between City and Arsenal reaches a new level
Mikel Arteta tried to cool the rivalry after Pep Guardiola’s comments but more flashpoints in the title race look likely
Spurs outclass sorry United in Postecoglou's finest hour
Ten Hag’s tenure in tatters after another heavy home defeat
Russia says it shot down 125 Ukrainian drones in a night
More than 100 Ukrainian drones have been shot down over Russia, sparking a wildfire and setting an apartment block alight in one of the largest barrages seen over the country’s skies since the start of the war in February 2022.
Vance-Walz debate may be a turning point in US election
Poll shows 75 per cent of Americans plan to watch the event
Far-right Freedom Party on course for victory in Austria
The far-right Freedom Party had a lead over the governing conservatives in Austria’s national election yesterday and was well-placed for its first win in a parliamentary vote, a projection showed. But its chances of governing were unclear.
Israel 'wiped out' Hezbollah leadership in bombing raids
It is claimed that 20 members of militant group died in strike that killed leader Hassan Nasrallah, as Lebanon says a fifth of its population have been forced to flee
A look inside the safe house The Independent will build
With help from generous readers, our campaign will fund a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence
