Government’s Response to COVID-19 Found to Be Ill-Prepared, Says Inquiry
Baroness Hallett criticized the government for prioritizing flu preparedness over coronavirus, stating that they ‘failed citizens’ and warning of ‘another pandemic.’
Baroness Hallett, in her scathing 217-page report, cautioned that future pandemics are inevitable, stating that it’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’
After extensive testimonies from government officials, the inquiry concluded that the response to the outbreak caused more harm than necessary, attributing much of the blame to former health secretaries Matt Hancock and Jeremy Hunt.
Though facing criticism for an alleged bias towards stricter lockdowns, the inquiry raised concerns about the disproportionate use of such measures.
Baroness Hallett highlighted obesity as contributing to the UK’s vulnerability during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for better preparation and a unified response in future crises.
‘Obesity a Factor’ in Why UK ‘Lacked Resilience’
She emphasized the UK’s lack of readiness in 2020 compared to 2019, signaling a need for improved preparedness.
The report detailed the inadequacy of the UK’s pandemic plan for flu, stressing the need for updated strategies and improved responses in future health crises.
‘Groupthink’
Baroness Hallett criticized a ‘groupthink’ mentality among scientific experts and urged policymakers to consider a broader range of opinions before implementing stringent measures like lockdowns.
