Coroner: PM must begin the inquiry

HAPPY COUPLE

Ernest & Mary

A CORONER wants Boris Johnson to press ahead with a public inquiry into the pandemic after hearing how a nurse died of Covid.

Mary Agyapong, 28, passed away her hospital last April, five days after her daughter was born by an emergency C-section.

Addressing her husband Ernest Boateng, 30, Bedfordshire senior coroner Emma Whitting called for the Covid inquiry to be held “as soon as practicable”.

She said: “Whilst Mary’s untimely death is first and foremost a tragedy for you, her husband, for her children, and all her relations, colleagues and friends, it is for society too.

“It is important we learn from all the lives lost as a result of this terrible pandemic and to consider the wider policy implications.

“The Prime Minister has indicated his intention to hold a full public inquiry. I urge him to proceed as soon as practicable.”

EXPOSURE

Ernest told the inquest in Ampthill, Beds, that he had been very concerned about ward sister Mary falling ill at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Ernest gave evidence that he believed Mary caught coronavirus through her work as an NHS nurse.

But coroner Whitting said while recording a narrative conclusion: “It remains unclear where or when her exposure occurred.”

Mr Johnson said he remains committed to an inquiry, but holding one now would be an “irresponsible diversion”.

Both Labour leader Keir Starmer and the Mirror are pressing for a public inquiry.