Covid inquiry: Live updates as first Covid report to show 'UK plan failures'

The first report from the Covid-19 inquiry is expected to show failures to properly prepare for a pandemic in the UK. Inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett will report on how well the UK was able to face a deadly outbreak in the run up to 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic swept across Britain.

The report is expected to highlight the UK's focus on preparing for a flu pandemic instead of a coronavirus pandemic. It may also highlight how austerity led to public health cut backs.

Lady Hallett could potentially also comment on preparations surrounding personal protective equipment (PPE) and a government focused on Brexit.

Key politicians, scientists and health experts appeared as witnesses during the first module of the inquiry - which is titled Resilience and Preparedness.

Former health secretaries Matt Hancock and Jeremy Hunt were put under the spotlight during oral evidence sessions, alongside former prime minister Lord Cameron and former levelling up secretary Michael Gove.

Brenda Doherty, on behalf of Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, said in a statement: "The publication of the module one report marks a huge milestone for bereaved families like mine. We know that for lives to be saved in the future, lessons must be learnt from the mistakes of the past. Sadly, nobody knows the true cost of the government's failure to prepare as we do."

The report comes on the day American President, Joe Biden was confirmed as testing positive for Covid as a new variation spreads.

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