The Covid Inquiry Podcast cover image

The Covid Inquiry Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 29, 2025 • 27min

46. 'France Cancelled The Order'

In the final week of the module on procurement, the Inquiry hears from those trying to ensure that Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland had enough PPE, and why they didn't use high priority lanes, as England did. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Mar 22, 2025 • 34min

45. 'Capitalism Saved Us'

The Covid Inquiry holds its first private session behind closed doors as it takes evidence about the company PPE Medpro – linked to Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband. In the open hearings, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock describes how he and others in the Department tried to secure enough PPE for the NHS. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Mar 15, 2025 • 38min

44. 'Politically Motivated Bilge'

The Covid Inquiry takes evidence on how some offers of PPE were placed in a higher priority route, and the role politicians and government officials played in procurement. One of the main witnesses is Michael Gove, Minister for the Cabinet Office at the time, who argues that much of the newspaper commentary around the 'so-called PPE scandal' was 'politically motivated bilge'. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Mar 8, 2025 • 34min

43. 'The VIP lane'

The Covid Inquiry begins its fifth module, looking at how the government bought medical supplies like PPE and ventilators during the pandemic. In this first week of evidence the Inquiry hears about the creation of a so-called 'VIP' lane for some companies. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Feb 1, 2025 • 30min

42. 'A 5-Sided Rubik's Cube'

In the final week examining the rollout of vaccines, the Covid Inquiry hears about how those in government attracted manufacturers to the UK, and whether the country has prepared enough for a future pandemic. With evidence from former minister and now Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, Dame Emily Lawson who led the initial vaccine rollout, and Dr Clive Dix, Deputy Chair of the Vaccine Task Force. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Jan 25, 2025 • 35min

41. 'Sharp Scratch'

The Covid Inquiry takes a second week of evidence about the rollout of vaccines, hearing from Dame Kate Bingham, who chaired the Vaccine Taskforce, Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, and Sir Jonathan Van Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Jan 18, 2025 • 30min

40. Vaccines

The Covid Inquiry was back this week after a short break in hearings, to begin taking evidence about the vaccine rollout and the development of drugs to treat the disease. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Nov 30, 2024 • 24min

39. 'Saying Goodbye By Text'

This week the Covid Inquiry concluded its module looking at the way the NHS handled the pandemic. Sir Sajid Javid, who was Health Secretary from 2021, gave evidence on the decisions made around mandatory vaccinations of frontline staff. The week ended with testimony from bereaved families, with a focus on the restrictions placed on hospital visiting hours. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Nov 23, 2024 • 21min

38. Matt Hancock

The Covid Inquiry takes evidence on the state of the NHS during the pandemic, with testimony from former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, and former Scottish Health Minister Jeane Freeman. Jim Reed reports.
undefined
Nov 16, 2024 • 22min

37. Nightingale Hospitals

The Covid Inquiry hears evidence about bed capacity during the pandemic. Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, explains the decision to open Nightingale Hospitals and their limitations. Jim Reed reports.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode