Hancock criticises 'wholly naive' Covid inquiry

In his testimony, former UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock criticized the upcoming public inquiry into the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as "wholly naive." Hancock, who faced intense scrutiny over his decisions and actions during the crisis, argued that the inquiry's approach was unrealistic and failed to account for the real-time decision-making and pressure faced by officials. Hancock's comments came as he provided evidence about the procurement of medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. He defended the government's decision-making process, stating that it had to act quickly to secure supplies in a highly competitive global market. The public inquiry, scheduled to begin in 2023, aims to examine the UK's preparedness and response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the decision-making and policies implemented by the government. Hancock's criticism suggests that the inquiry may face challenges in its investigation, as it navigates the complex and time-pressured environment that characterized the pandemic response.