|
 "This
process will place the state's actions under the microscope," he
told parliament.
The inquiry will have the backing of legislation giving it
far-reaching powers, Johnson said.
Johnson had previously agreed to hold an inquiry but resisted
pressure from opposition parties to begin it while the government
was still handling the crisis, saying it was more important to focus
on that and the subsequent recovery plan.
But speaking in parliament, he said the inquiry would begin in
spring 2022 once some of the worst pressures had subsided to avoid
diverting resources from the crisis response. He warned of the risk
of a resurgence of the virus.
[to top of second column] |
He did not set out the terms of reference for the inquiry, or who
would lead it, saying it was necessary to consult with Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland on those issues.
(Reporting by Alistair Smout and Michael Holden, writing by William
James; Editing by William Schomberg/Guy Faulconbridge)
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