UK Covid-19 Inquiry opens second investigation into government decision-making

Today the UK Covid-19 Inquiry opens its second investigation, Module 2, which will examine political and administrative decision-making of the UK and devolved governments. There will be particular  focus on early 2020.

Module 2 will examine decisions taken by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, as advised by the Civil Service, senior political, scientific and medical advisers, and relevant Cabinet sub-committees.

Module 2A will examine key groups and individuals within the Scottish Government including the First Minister and other Scottish Ministers.

Module 2B will examine the decision-making of key groups and individuals within the government in Wales including the First Minister and other Welsh Ministers.

Module 2C will examine the decision-making of key groups and individuals within the government in Northern Ireland including the First Minister, deputy First Minister and other Ministers.

The Inquiry will hold preliminary hearings for Module 2, 2A, 2B and 2C from late autumn.

Witnesses will give evidence for Module 2 in summer 2023.

Subsequently, evidentiary hearings for Modules 2A, 2B and 2C will be held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The application process to become a Core Participant for Module 2, 2A, 2B and 2C opens today, 31 August, and will close on 23 September at 5pm.

A Core Participant is an individual, organisation or institution that has a specific interest in the work of the Inquiry.

Core Participants can access evidence relevant to this investigation, make opening and closing statements at Inquiry hearings and suggest lines of questioning to Inquiry Counsel.

More information on how to apply to be a Core Participant in Module 2 is available in the Core Participant Protocol.

Baroness Heather Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry said:

“The Inquiry has started its Module 2 investigations, scrutinising core political and administrative decision-making of the Westminster government. Related modules 2A, 2B and 2C will allow me to look at decisions taken in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“My team and I will establish what was understood about Covid-19 at the time, what information was available in each of the four UK nations and how and why key decisions were made, especially early in the pandemic.

“I will be taking evidence next year to build a full picture of the challenges faced by the UK and devolved governments and how each chose to confront them.”