Covid Inquiry Costs Mount as UK Tackles Health Challenges

The UK government is facing mounting criticism over its response to the Covid-19 inquiry, with costs exceeding £100m to date. This comes as the country tackles various health challenges, including prostate cancer screening and the extension of the sugar tax to milk-based drinks. The Covid-19 Inquiry, launched by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in June 2022, has been described as "too little, too late" by the inquiry's second report. The inquiry covers decision-making by the UK government, as well as the administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. According to the BBC, the government has spent over £100m responding to the inquiry, on top of the £192m spent by the inquiry itself. The inquiry has been criticized for its slow pace, with some sources questioning the government's approach. The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK campaign group has expressed concerns over the government's handling of the inquiry, stating that it has been "hostile and difficult" at times. The group has also called for public inquiries to become more efficient and less adversarial. In other health news, the UK's National Screening Committee has recommended that only a small group of high-risk men should be eligible for regular testing for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases every year. According to Prostate Cancer UK, one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. The recommendation comes as part of a review of the UK's screening programs. Currently, there is no screening program for prostate cancer, but there has been some campaigning for change. The expert advice will be consulted on for the next three months before the screening committee gives its final recommendations to governments in the four nations of the UK in March. In a separate development, the UK government has announced plans to extend the sugar tax to milk-based drinks, including milkshakes and coffee drinks. The sugar tax, introduced in 2018, aims to reduce sugar intake and tackle obesity. The extension to milk-based drinks will come into effect from January 2028, with companies facing a tax if they do not reduce the sugar content of their products. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the extension in the House of Commons, stating that the move would help to make diets healthier and tackle obesity. The tax has been welcomed by health campaigners, who argue that it will encourage companies to reduce sugar content and promote healthier options. The UK government's response to various health challenges, including the Covid inquiry, prostate cancer screening, and the sugar tax extension, highlights the complexities of public health policy. As the country navigates these challenges, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the many factors that impact public health. Sources: * BBC News: "What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?" * BBC News: "What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?" * BBC News: "Prostate cancer screening: What you need to know" * BBC News: "Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry" * BBC News: "Sugar tax extended to milk-based drinks: What you need to know"