Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 48
We also recommend that the UK Covid-19 Inquiry include a comprehensive analysis of the necessity...
Recommendation
We also recommend that the UK Covid-19 Inquiry include a comprehensive analysis of the necessity and proportionality of each section of the Coronavirus Act 2020 to better aid in the future development of similar emergency legislation. Should the public Coronavirus Act 2020 Two Years On 25 inquiry not cover this, we recommend that the Department of Health and Social Care undertake this analysis and report back to this Committee and to Parliament on its findings.
Paragraph Reference:
48
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As the Committee has noted, the Government has committed to an independent, statutory public inquiry into COVID-19. The inquiry has two aims: to find the facts and to learn lessons for the future. Draft terms of reference for the inquiry were published by the Prime Minister on 10 March 2022. They describe a broad scope covering preparedness; the public health response; the response in the health and care sector; as well as the economic response. The draft terms of reference incorporate central, devolved and local public health decision-making and its consequences, including in relation to legislative and regulatory control. Importantly, the draft terms of reference ask the inquiry to listen to the experiences of those most affected by the pandemic - including bereaved families - and to investigate any disparities evident in the impact of the pandemic and our response. To ensure those most affected by the pandemic, including those who had sadly lost loved ones, had the opportunity to contribute, the inquiry’s chair, Baroness Hallett, held a period of public consultation and engagement on the draft terms of reference. This closed on 7 April 2022 and the Government awaits Baroness Hallett’s recommendations. 4 Coronavirus Act report: March 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Under the Inquiries Act, the inquiry’s procedure – including the timing of various steps – is a matter for its independent Chair. In starting the consultation on the terms of reference, Baroness Hallett set out that her investigations will begin once those terms of reference are finalised. She has said that she intends to gather evidence throughout this year, with public hearings beginning in 2023. Baroness Hallett has made clear that she will do everything in her power to deliver recommendations as soon as possible. It is still to be determined whether any additional centrally-coordinated review will take place on the individual provisions in the Act and the value this might serve beyond that being undertaken by the independent UK COVID-19 inquiry.