Public inquiry into UK Covid-19 response opens

Ministers to face cross-examination as chair Lady Hallett says inequalities will be at forefront' of investigation

Ministers will have a year to prepare before cross-examination at the UK's Covid-19 public inquiry, its chair Heather Hallett announced, as she opened what is set to be one of the broadest statutory investigations in the nation's history.

The first cross-examinations of the government response to the pandemic including decisions on lockdowns, maintaining public confidence and handling of scientific advice, will begin in summer 2023, two and a half years after the arrival of the virus which has claimed more than 200,000 lives in the UK.