Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Thursday 27th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)]

What progress the Government have made on the public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

What progress the Government have made on the public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove)]

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to the House that a public inquiry into covid-19 would be established on a statutory basis with full formal powers. It will begin its work in spring 2022, and further details will be set out in due course.

[Michael Gove]

First, may I pass on my condolences to the hon. Member for the sad loss of members of his family? I know that the whole House will want to pass on sympathies and condolences. So many people have lost those dear to them. That is why it is so important that, at the inquiry, we ensure that the voices of victims are heard and their questions are answered properly and fully.

[Rachael Maskell [V]]

The healing will not start until the public inquiry begins. Yesterday’s Select Committees’ damning evidence clearly caused significant pain to grieving families. They need answers now—they need to know whether decisions by this Government could have avoided the death of their loved ones, and that includes 396 families in my city of York. Does the Minister understand why the commencement of the public inquiry must not be delayed until next year, especially following yesterday’s evidence? Will he bring it forward and ensure that bereaved families not only are consulted on the scope of the inquiry but have their questions answered?