The independent inquiry established by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to investigate the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is facing a
challenge as the inquiry seeks access to Johnson's communications with other U.K. officials during the outbreak. However, the government is fighting against the demand to hand over the full content of these messages.
Heather Hallett, the chairwoman of the inquiry and a retired judge, has requested unredacted copies of Johnson's WhatsApp messages and notebooks after initially receiving redacted versions. The government claims that the redacted material was irrelevant to the investigation, but Hallett argues that the complete contents of the specified documents could be potentially relevant to the inquiry's lines of investigation.
Hallett, who possesses the authority to summon evidence and question witnesses under oath, set a deadline for the government to produce the documents, covering a two-year period from early 2020. However, the government requested more time, stating that it does not have access to Johnson's WhatsApp messages or notebooks. Hallett denied a request to extend the deadline to Monday but agreed to a 48-hour extension until Thursday.
If the WhatsApp messages and notebooks cannot be provided, the inquiry has demanded witness statements from senior officials detailing the efforts made to locate them. The government has already handed over tens of thousands of documents to the inquiry, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the government is carefully considering its next steps. The concern over disclosing Johnson's unredacted conversations revolves around setting a precedent and potential embarrassment for ministers.
The inquiry, led by Hallett, aims to examine the U.K.'s preparedness for a pandemic, the government's response, and whether the level of loss due to COVID-19 was avoidable. Public hearings are scheduled to commence in June, with Johnson expected to provide evidence alongside other senior officials.
Johnson has already faced scrutiny as he was among those fined for breaking lockdown rules during the "partygate scandal." Recently, evidence of potential breaches of COVID-19 restrictions during visits to Chequers, the prime minister's country retreat, and his Downing Street residence has emerged. The information has been reported to the police, who are currently assessing the new evidence, while Johnson denies any wrongdoing. Photo by UK Government, Wikimedia commons.