Following the consultation period into the COVID-19 Inquiry Terms of Reference, the Chair Baroness Hallett has completed an analysis of the responses received.  On 12 May 2022 Baroness Hallett wrote to the Prime Minister and recommended that the scope of the Inquiry be reframed to put potential inequalities at its forefront; so that the investigation into any unequal impacts of the pandemic runs as a thread throughout the whole Inquiry.  There are further proposed amendments which include a focus on the impact on the health, well-being and education of children and young people, and the wider mental health impact across the population.

The final decision on the Terms of Reference rests with the Prime Minister, but the recommendations of Baroness Hallett are likely to be accepted.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Baroness Hallett said: “I believe these changes will ensure the Inquiry can best fulfil its purpose to examine the UK’s preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future.”

Baroness Hallett’s letter  to the Prime Minister and summary response report can be found here.

To view our COVID-19 Public Inquiry webinar playlist, click here.

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Find out more about how we can help you prepare for the Inquiry in our COVID-19 Inquiry brochure.