Former health secretary Matt Hancock to face Covid Inquiry for sixth time

Former health secretary Matt Hancock is set to face the UK Covid Inquiry for the sixth time.

The inquiry is currently taking evidence on the impact of the pandemic on the care sector, and it is considering evidence about the steps taken in adult care and residential homes to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

It will also consider the consequences of government decision-making on those living and working within the sector, including the decision to free up capacity in hospitals by discharging patients into adult care and residential homes.

Hancock is scheduled to face questions from the inquiry on Wednesday.

The inquiry was originally set up to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future.

It was launched by former prime minister Boris Johnson in June 2022, more than a year after he said the government’s actions would be put “under the microscope”.

The first public hearings took place in London in June 2023. Subsequent hearings have been held in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

There is no specific timescale for how long the inquiry will last, but inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett is currently hearing evidence for module six out of ten.

Scotland is holding its own separate inquiry into the pandemic.

The care sector module kicked off on Monday and will continue until the end of July.