A significant public inquiry exploring the UK government's COVID-19 response commenced on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The inquiry, projected to last three years, aims to determine if better preparation could have mitigated suffering and fatalities, and whether the UK's departure from the European Union hindered pandemic planning.

Hugo Keith, counsel to the inquiry, highlighted the immense scale of illness and death caused by the pandemic in Britain, with COVID-19 listed as the cause of death for 226,977 individuals. A central question is whether these outcomes were unavoidable or could have been lessened with adequate preparation.

Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 gathered outside the inquiry venue, holding pictures of the deceased. The initial hearing featured a poignant video showcasing the pandemic's devastating impact on individuals and families. Retired judge Heather Hallett, leading the inquiry, acknowledged the families' vigil and emphasized the inquiry's purpose: to understand the pandemic's effects on behalf of those who suffered.

With Britain's COVID-19 death toll among the highest in Europe, the decisions made by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson's administration have been subject to extensive scrutiny. The inquiry will delve into the UK's pandemic preparedness, the government's response, and the lessons to be learned for the future. Hearings are scheduled to continue until 2026.

Key figures, including scientists, officials, and potentially Boris Johnson himself, are anticipated to testify. Judge Hallett possesses the authority to compel evidence and question witnesses under oath. She is currently engaged in a legal dispute with the government regarding access to unredacted communications, including notebooks, diaries, and WhatsApp messages, exchanged between Johnson and other officials.

The inquiry's initial phase will examine whether UK pandemic planning was overly reliant on the flawed assumption that a future pandemic would resemble influenza. In March 2020, at the pandemic's outset, the government asserted that the UK was well-prepared to respond effectively. However, preliminary observations suggest that the level of preparedness may have been significantly overstated.

Another crucial aspect under investigation is the extent to which Brexit preparations diverted resources and attention away from pandemic planning. The considerable effort required to manage the UK's withdrawal from the EU, particularly concerning potential disruptions to essential supplies, travel, and trade, may have hindered crucial pandemic preparedness efforts.

Judge Hallett has indicated that findings will be released after each stage of the inquiry, rather than waiting for its conclusion. This approach aims to provide timely insights and facilitate ongoing learning and improvements in pandemic preparedness and response.