Bereaved families have expressed strong disapproval of Nigel Farage’s recent call for the closure of the Covid Inquiry. Farage, the leader of the Reform party, raised concerns about the high cost of the inquiry, which has surpassed £192 million over three years. This inquiry, initiated in 2022, is anticipated to release its final findings in 2027.
Approximately 227,000 individuals in the UK passed away with Covid-19 mentioned on their death certificates. Last year, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty emphasized the inevitability of another global pandemic.
Following the release of the expenditure figures, Farage criticized the inquiry’s expenses, stating to the Telegraph, “This is an outrageous cost, and it will be years before any conclusions are reached. It should be swiftly and definitively concluded.”
A spokesperson for Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK condemned Farage’s remarks as a “disgraceful insult” to the deceased and their grieving families. The spokesperson highlighted the preventable nature of many deaths due to factors such as PPE shortages, discharge of Covid-positive patients into care homes, and delayed lockdown measures.
The spokesperson further criticized Farage’s attempt to halt the pursuit of justice through the inquiry, emphasizing that the inquiry’s cost represents only a small fraction of the government’s annual expenditure. They highlighted the importance of holding those accountable for the loss of loved ones, learning from past mistakes to prevent future tragedies, and comprehensively investigating the profound impact of the pandemic on society.
In response to criticisms from Farage and other prominent figures, the families emphasized the significance of public inquiries in holding influential individuals accountable. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for justice until accountability is achieved.
A spokesperson for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry stressed the unique scope and complexity of the investigation, spanning a two-year pandemic that affected the entire UK population of over 65 million. Baroness Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, outlined the substantial task of examining the pandemic response across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The spokesperson underscored the necessity of a thorough examination of the UK’s planning and response to the pandemic, acknowledging the time and resources required for a comprehensive review. The inquiry has already published its initial report, with upcoming reports focusing on political decision-making and subsequent releases planned until the final report in early 2027.