Sky News Daily
‘Wish I’d acted earlier’: Matt Hancock’s defence at the COVID inquiry
Nov 30, 2023
Matt Hancock, former health secretary and key figure in the COVID inquiry, defends his actions and COVID preparedness record. Contrasting evidence and criticism highlight his lack of effective planning and overconfidence during the early stages of the pandemic. His defense clashes with Dominic Cummings' account, revealing a toxic culture within the government and frustrations of families who lost loved ones. The government's unclear stance on lockdown and lack of evidence are discussed, emphasizing the consequences of delaying the lockdown.
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Quick takeaways
- Matt Hancock contradicted testimonies of other officials, claiming there was government preparedness for the pandemic, highlighting the lack of coordination and issues between different departments.
- Hancock's previous stance on lockdown, accused of pushing for herd immunity instead of implementing an earlier lockdown, raises questions about his statements and actions.
Deep dives
Matt Hancock's testimony on preparedness contradicts other testimonies
During Matt Hancock's appearance at the COVID inquiry, he claimed that there was a level of preparedness in the government for the pandemic, contradicting the testimonies of other officials. While Hancock argued that he saw the threat early and tried to wake up Whitehall, others have stated that he overpromised and failed to follow through. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing issues between different government departments and the lack of coordination in response to the pandemic.
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