Fears Covid probe could turn into whitewash amid withholding information

The bereaved families hoped the Covid inquest would be an opportunity to reveal the truth about why so many died.

But there are growing fears that key information is being withheld from him.

The government is going to court to challenge a request for the release of documents and evidence that will shed light on its handling of the pandemic.

Activists have also raised concerns about the structure and timing of the investigation, amid growing concerns that it could be a whitewash.

Here are the main criticisms:

1. Non-submission of evidence

Grieving families may be prevented from hearing potentially damning evidence as the government refuses to release information requested by the inquest.

Johnson at the Covid briefing in July 2020 (

Picture:

ANDREW PARSONS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Ministers seek judicial review of demand for texts, records and notes written by senior politicians during the pandemic.

Even though Boris Johnson has said he will hand over his messages and notebooks directly, the Tories are still trying to conceal information held by other ministers.

Elkan Abrahamson, the lawyer for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, said: "There is a very real risk that the investigation will be viewed by my clients as a laundering and cover-up unless this material is be delivered. ."

2. Save time

Boris Johnson did not officially announce the Covid investigation until June 2022, more than two years after the start of the pandemic.

Rather than start the process immediately, he pushed back the start of hearings until the spring of this year.

Deadlines are important because the investigation was only able to request evidence once it had been formally constituted. Critics say the delay could have allowed ministers to destroy or 'misplace' information before it was officially requested by the chair of the inquiry, Lady Hallett.

3. Treatment of bereaved families

At the start of previous surveys, families were given the opportunity to remember their loved ones. The process - known as "pen portraits" - allows a friend or family member to make a short statement commemorating the deceased. This may include videos and photos of the loved one.