Covid group’s legal action threat over inquiry delay
CAMPAIGNERS are considering taking legal action against Boris Johnson over his failure to set a start date for the Covid-19 inquiry.
They fear the delay will result in crucial evidence about the Government’s handling of the pandemic being destroyed.
Mr Johnson committed in Parliament to a public inquiry starting in spring 2022 and in December appointed retired judge Baroness Hallet to lead it. But it has still not begun as No10 has yet to announce the final terms of reference.
Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign are now considering a judicial review
against ministers. Elkan Abrahamson, of law firm Broudie Jackson Canter, which is advising the campaign, said: “This delay of over six months is both unprecedented and totally inexplicable. The consequences are extremely serious as it only becomes a criminal offence to destroy or tamper with evidence after the inquiry’s start date.”
Jo Goodman, co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said: “The only lesson the Prime Minister learned from Partygate is thinking he can get away with lying to the faces of bereaved families.
“He could set the inquiry up and get the process moving with the stroke of a pen. We’ll need to consider every option available.”
A Government spokeswoman said: “In accordance with the Inquiries Act, the Prime Minister has consulted the devolved administrations and is now finalising the terms of reference. These will be published shortly.”