WATCH: Michael Gove’s ‘Man-Made’ Virus Theory Sparks Sharp Shutdown From Lawyer

Lawyer Hugo Keith KC cut short Michael Gove during Covid inquiry cross-examination for suggesting that coronavirus may have been “man made.”

Speaking during cross examination on Tuesday, Gove reflected on the country’s pandemic response, admitting that the U.K. was not as prepared as it should have been. Gove served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, legally representing the Crown, as well as Cabinet Office minister during the pandemic.

Highlighting the complexity of dealing with a “novel” virus, Gove said: “We were not as well prepared as we should have been ideally, that is true. Again, it’s in the nature of the fact that the virus was novel.”

He continued: “And indeed, though I think this probably goes beyond the remit of the inquiry, there is a significant body of judgement that believes that the virus itself was man made — and that presents its own set of challenges as well.”

His comments exceed the scope of ministers’ statements on the virus’ origins to date.

Keith interrupted Gove for straying into a “somewhat divisive issue” of COVID-19’s origins, which remain under investigation by the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health and Social Care has refrained from making comment on the nature of the virus.

“It forms no part of the terms of reference of this inquiry to address that somewhat divisive issue, so we’re not going to go there,” Keith said, stopping the conversation from progressing.

Opening his testimony, Gove also apologised to the public for the government’s “mistakes” during the pandemic, accepting his share of responsibility.

Acknowledging various errors made, Gove expressed regret for not advocating earlier for the first lockdown, admitting that “every decision was difficult and every course was bad” at the time.

Gove’s frustration was evident in a WhatsApp message presented at the inquiry, where he criticised the government for “fucking up” and missing critical opportunities.

Defending former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s approach, Gove described his decision-making style as “gladiatorial” and focused on maximising individual liberty, which made lockdown decisions challenging. He also played down claims of dysfunctionality in Johnson’s administration, attributing it to the nature of politics with strong personalities.

The inquiry, which is ongoing, will also hear from other key figures, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab.

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