The Covid Inquiry Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Covid Inquiry continues its examination of the way that the NHS responded to the pandemic. This week Justice Hallett heard from Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, and Jenny Harries, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, along with senior frontline staff. Jim Reed reports.