Boris Johnson: inquiry into handling of Covid crisis will start spring 2022

© Provided by The Guardian Photograph: Anthony Harvey/Rex

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A public inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic will begin next spring, Boris Johnson has announced.

The prime minister said yesterday that he would launch the inquiry during the new session of parliament. These usually last around a year, though they can go on longer if the government wants.

© 2021 Getty Images LICHFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Members of the public receive their Covid-19 vaccinations at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire on February 26, 2021 in Lichfield, England. Lichfield Cathedral is one of many unusual venues that have been adapted for administering vaccines during the Covid-19, coronavirus pandemic. Over 19 million people in the United Kingdom have had their first Covid-19 vaccination, including 90 percent of over-70s. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Given that Johnson only put a loose timeframe on the inquiry, it left bereaved families disappointed – they wanted one to be launched by summer at the latest.

Downing Street has previously batted away calls to establish the inquiry soon by saying officials’ time would be better spent tackling the pandemic.

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