Government at odds with Covid-19 inquiry over document release
The COVID Inquiry has extended the deadline for the government to hand over unredacted messages, including those of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, until 4pm on Thursday.
The inquiry chairwoman, Baroness Hallett, rejected a request for a longer extension and demanded a statement from a senior civil servant to explain the Cabinet Office's insistence that it does not have the messages or notebooks.
The government is "confident in its approach" but is "carefully considering its position" as the deadline approaches.
Former head of the Civil Service Lord Kerslake and human rights barrister Adam Wagner have criticized the government's stance and argue that the request is unprecedented but necessary to learn lessons from the pandemic.
The UK Cabinet Office is at odds with the ongoing Covid-19 inquiry, which is investigating the government's response to the pandemic.
The inquiry has requested additional documents and communication from various government officials, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Cabinet Office has already provided over 55,000 documents to the inquiry, but has refused to hand over some communication on the grounds of national security.
The inquiry's chair, Lady Hallett, has warned that a failure to comply with the request could lead to a spiraling legal clash, potentially involving criminal sanctions.
The inquiry is expected to hold its first public evidence sessions in the coming weeks, and the dispute could be a significant issue at those proceedings.
The government is "confident in its approach" but is "carefully considering its position" as the deadline approaches.
Former head of the Civil Service Lord Kerslake and human rights barrister Adam Wagner have criticized the government's stance and argue that the request is unprecedented but necessary to learn lessons from the pandemic.
The UK Cabinet Office is at odds with the ongoing Covid-19 inquiry, which is investigating the government's response to the pandemic.
The inquiry has requested additional documents and communication from various government officials, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Cabinet Office has already provided over 55,000 documents to the inquiry, but has refused to hand over some communication on the grounds of national security.
The inquiry's chair, Lady Hallett, has warned that a failure to comply with the request could lead to a spiraling legal clash, potentially involving criminal sanctions.
The inquiry is expected to hold its first public evidence sessions in the coming weeks, and the dispute could be a significant issue at those proceedings.
