An inquiry into the pandemic concluded the government’s early response was too slow and hampered by a toxic culture, with repeated mistakes and breaches of its own rules. It estimated about 23,000 first‑wave deaths were avoidable. The chair, Baroness Hallett, called the failures inexcusable.
The Covid inquiry concludes that severe delays and muddled decisions in early 2020 caused about 23,000 avoidable deaths. It says the PM and senior ministers underestimated the threat, locked down too late, repeated errors in later waves and allowed a toxic culture to hinder clear advice.
Britain’s Covid inquiry faces backlash as costs near £200m. Critics say it has revealed little new, arguing nationwide restrictions were avoidable and should be a last resort. The chair defends the process, citing lessons for leadership, accountability and future pandemic preparedness.
A Christmas appeal seeks donations for specialist wheelchairs, helping children gain independence and join everyday activities. It spotlights four-year-old Robyn, whose chair transformed her mobility. Funds will support families needing equipment beyond standard provision.
A public inquiry concludes the pandemic response under Boris Johnson was chaotic and toxic, with delays and indecision causing an estimated 23,000 avoidable deaths. It says the PM failed to grasp urgency, advisers sowed mistrust, and dissenting voices—particularly women—were often ignored.
An official report says the government’s early pandemic response was delayed and chaotic, citing a toxic No 10 culture, poor preparation and missed meetings by the then PM. It concludes an earlier lockdown could have saved many lives. Bereaved families urge accountability and rapid reform.
An official inquiry concludes early-pandemic policies shut schools and nurseries unnecessarily, halting ordinary childhood. It says decisions prioritised adults, harming education and wellbeing, and that more proportionate alternatives were available.
An official inquiry finds Johnson’s government responded too late in early 2020. It says imposing lockdown a week earlier might have saved 23,000 lives in England, condemns a toxic, sexist and chaotic culture in No 10, notes all UK nations were ill-prepared, and criticises senior officials.
Monty Panesar has hit back at a jibe from Australia’s captain, insisting he won’t be underestimated as the Ashes start. The former England spinner is lending his knowledge to a quiz team, cheekily teasing the tourists while rallying home support ahead of the series.
Ministers plan a migration overhaul giving high earners and entrepreneurs a three‑year route to settled status, while lower‑paid workers could face waits of up to 15 years. The scheme raises salary thresholds and streamlines priority-sector routes to curb numbers and respond to political pressure.