UK Covid Inquiry Slams 'Toxic' No 10 Culture

The UK's Covid-19 inquiry has published a damning report on the government's handling of the pandemic, highlighting a "toxic and chaotic" culture in No 10 and criticizing delayed lockdowns that exacerbated the crisis. The report, led by Baroness Hallett, examines the government's response to the pandemic and identifies key areas where mistakes were made.

According to the report, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson oversaw a culture in No 10 that was "poisoned by fear" and led to poor decision-making. The report singles out Johnson's former top adviser, Dominic Cummings, as a "destabilizing influence" who contributed to the toxic culture. Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was also criticized for his handling of the pandemic.

The report also examines the government's decision to delay lockdowns, particularly in the run-up to Christmas 2020. Baroness Hallett described the circumstances leading to the Welsh government's decision to impose a Christmas lockdown as "inexcusable." The report states that Welsh ministers failed to take "decisive action" against an "entirely foreseeable" Covid variant, resulting in the lockdown.

In a video statement, Baroness Hallett said that the government's failure to act quickly enough was a "major mistake" that had serious consequences. "The evidence is clear that the government was slow to respond to the developing crisis, and that this slowness had serious consequences," she said.

The report also highlights the impact of the pandemic on businesses and workers. According to the Treasury, £140bn was spent on support for businesses, much of it going to pay people's wages when they were forced to stay at home. However, many business owners and employees told the inquiry about the devastation they faced during the pandemic and the difficulties they faced accessing support.

Lord Michael Gove, a former cabinet minister, has apologized on behalf of the then-government and Conservative Party for "mistakes made" during the pandemic. However, he questioned the report's assertion that an earlier lockdown would have meant fewer deaths.

The report's findings have sparked a response from the current government, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying that the government would learn lessons from the report and was already taking measures to prepare for future emergencies.

In a statement, First Minister Eluned Morgan said that the Welsh government would take time to read the report and consider and act on its recommendations.

The Covid inquiry report is a significant milestone in the UK's response to the pandemic, and its findings are likely to have far-reaching implications for the government and its handling of future crises.

Sources:
- Covid inquiry hears impact on firms and staff
- Gove apologises after Covid report alleges 'toxic' culture
- Delayed action before 2020 Christmas lockdown 'inexcusable'
- What's in the Covid inquiry report... in 68 seconds
- 'Toxic' No 10 culture harmed Covid response, inquiry finds