Richard Horton, Editor-in-chief of The Lancet, shares his insights from giving evidence for the UK's COVID-19 inquiry. He discusses the government's unpreparedness and the grim toll of over 200,000 lives lost. Horton highlights the importance of accountability, emphasizing the need for 'red teams' and diverse perspectives in decision-making. The conversation also covers the crucial role of public trust in vaccination and the lessons learned for future health crises. Expect reflections on both serious findings and light-hearted editorial anecdotes.