Wera Calls for Public Inquiry into Government Handling of Pandemic Amid Concern over Corruption in No. 10

5 May 2021

Bath’s MP, Liberal Democrat Wera Hobhouse, has called for an urgent public inquiry into allegations over the handling of the pandemic by this Government.

Speaking to Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove in the House of Commons last week, Ms Hobhouse said “instead of all these reports relying on leaks and Dominic Cummings’ blog, doesn’t the Minister agree that the best way forward would be to get all the facts straight and have an independent inquiry”.

In response, Minister Michael Gove said that Bath’s MP was making a “fair point” and admitted that “mistakes have been made”. The Minister failed to set a deadline for when the Government would commission the independent inquiry despite being open to the principle.

Following the exchange Wera Hobhouse said:

“For weeks, the newspapers have been running front page after page of serious allegations against this Government – raising concerns about corruption, misuse of funds, and ultimately incompetence.

It has been clear for some time that a public inquiry into the handling of this pandemic is required. We all deserve to know who this Government really are and what they value. I am pleased to hear the Minister agree that transparency is central to maintaining our democratic values and will continue to campaign to determine when the public will get the clarity they deserve.”