Module 1 – Resilience and Preparedness
Module 1 of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry was formally opened on 20th July 2022 and will examine the resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom. The module will explore whether the risk of a Coronavirus pandemic was properly identified and planned for and if the UK was ready for such an eventuality. The module will examine the UK’s preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies, including resourcing the system of risk management and pandemic readiness.
Hearings
Preliminary Hearings
October 4th 22’ – The first preliminary hearing for module 1 announced the beginning of the inquiry. Ronan Lavery, Counsel for Northern Ireland Bereaved Families for Justice, outlined the unique position and features the nation has regarding the general healthcare system and unique constitutional arrangements in terms of decision-making. The hearing covered the designation of core participants in the Inquiry and the provisional outline of the Scope for Module
February 14th 23’ – Brenda Campbell, Counsel for Northern Ireland Bereaved Families for Justice, opened by questioning the chair on a number of issues relating to the disclosure of documents and the examination of witnesses. Ms Campbell also addressed the issues that are unique to Northern Ireland, geographically, politically and regarding decision-making.
April 25th 23’ – Ronan Lavery, Counsel for Northern Ireland Bereaved Families for Justice, opened raising his concerns regarding the scarcity of disclosure from Northern Ireland’s witnesses to that point and what was to come. Mr Lavery raised the lack of concern from the inquiry regarding issues that are unique to Northern Ireland, geographically, politically and regarding decision-making. He then closed raising concern over the lack of information and witness statements coming from Northern Ireland’s witnesses.
Public Hearings 12th June 2023 – 17th July 2023
Key Dates:
22nd June – Sir Chris Whitty (CMO), Sir Patrick Vallance (Former CSA)
27th June – Matt Hancock MP (Former Health Minister)
6th July – Robin Swann (Former Health of Health Northern Ireland)
10th July – Prof. Sir Michael McBride (CMO for Northern Ireland)
12th July – Michelle O’Neill (Former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland)
13th July – Michael Gove (Former Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster)
18th July – Brenda Doherty (Northern Ireland Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice)
What came of the Module 1 hearings?
The general picture that came from the hearing is that the UK was “catastrophically unprepared” for the pandemic. The Trade Union Congress stated, “quite simply, there was no plan”. Other issues that were found include:
Lack of funding for Public Health England.
Brexit brought a distraction which hindered Government pandemic preparedness.
Failure from experts to prepare.
Brenda Doherty’s hearing
Brenda Doherty spoke strongly on behalf of the Northern Ireland Bereaved Families for Justice. Brenda told the tragic story of her mother’s death. She spoke of the lack of respect for the Northern Irish grieving process and highlighted the other key issues relating to communication, visitation rights and poor application of guidelines. Lady Hallett acknowledged Brenda’s powerful and moving story stating, “There’s nothing I can say, Ms Doherty” after hearing Brenda’s story.
News stories
Covid Inquiry latest: Closing speeches as first module ends. -https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-66231502
COVID Inquiry: Austerity measures hit public health services, Professor Dame Jenny Harries says - https://news.sky.com/story/covid-inquiry-austerity-measures-hit-public-health-services-professor-dame-jenny-harries-says-12910033
Covid-19 Inquiry: Robin Swann says years of health service neglect hindered NI pandemic response - https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/covid-19-inquiry-robin-swann-says-years-of-health-service-neglect-hindered-ni-pandemic-response-4210406
Northern Ireland could have been better prepared for pandemic, inquiry told - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/northern-ireland-department-of-health-covid-b2378145.html
'His death will haunt us for the rest of our lives' - Northern Ireland families share stories of loss with Covid-19 inquiry - https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/06/13/news/_his_death_will_haunt_us_for_the_rest_of_our_lives_-_northern_ireland_families_share_stories_of_loss_with_covid-19_inquiry-3346528/
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