Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford delivers critical testimony on the UK government’s initial handling of Covid-19, highlighting delays and leadership gaps. Calls for a Wales-specific inquiry grow among bereaved families and critics.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford delivered critical testimony on the UK government’s initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic at the Covid inquiry in Cardiff. Drakeford criticized former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, likening his absence in leadership to an absent football manager, and accused Dominic Cummings, Johnson’s adviser, of impeding key decisions such as banning mass gatherings. The Welsh First Minister admitted that Wales too should have acted more decisively early on.
Drakeford pointed out Johnson and other UK ministers’ lack of engagement and highlighted a series of delays and mismanagement in crucial decision-making processes. The Welsh First Minister’s testimony also shed light on the confusion over the devolution of powers between the UK government and devolved administrations, notably a misstatement by Matt Hancock, the former Health Secretary, regarding the devolution of public health.
Despite criticisms aimed at him for deflecting blame, Drakeford expressed deep regret for the lives lost during the pandemic, particularly mentioning his own mother, who lived in a care home throughout the crisis. He defended the policy of discharging patients from hospitals to care homes by stating it was considered the safest option at the time. A policy change on April 29, 2020, required all patients to be tested for Covid-19 before being discharged to care homes.
The inquiry continues to investigate the actions and decision-making processes of the governments involved, looking into the early missteps and missed opportunities in tackling the pandemic. Bereaved families and the Welsh Conservatives have called for a Wales-specific inquiry to ensure accountability and uncover the truth behind the handling of the crisis.