Module 1 of the Covid-19 public inquiry has begun its oral hearings, looking into the preparedness for the pandemic. It will assess if the pandemic was properly planned for and whether the UK was adequately ready for that eventuality. The module will touch on the whole system of civil emergencies including resourcing, risk management and pandemic readiness. It will scrutinise government decision-making relating to planning and seek to identify lessons that can be learnt.
Julian Blake (together with Bilal Rawat of 5 Essex Court) appears on behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, including Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam and Professor Dame Jenny Harries. Julian will also appear on behalf of former Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.
Jonathan Auburn KC and Zoe Gannon are instructed by the Ministry of Defence in relation to the MoD’s response to the Covid Inquiry.
