Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch as Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance give evidence to Covid inquiry

Oliver Browning
Thursday 22 June 2023 10:20 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch as Sir Patrick Vallance gives evidence to the UK’s Covid inquiry on Thursday 22 June.

He was expected to be questioned on why Britain’s pandemic plans were based on flu and the idea of building up herd immunity, rather than doing more to stop a virus from getting in or at least slowing its spread.

Vallance along with Professor Sir Chris Witty spoke after a number of high-profile political figures including David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt were quizzed earlier this week.

Sir Christopher Witty took the post of England’s chief medical officer in 2019, having previously worked within government for 10 years and Sir Patrick, meanwhile, served as the chief scientific adviser to the government from 2018 to 2023.

Both gave evidence during the first phase of the Covid inquiry, which is focused on the UK’s preparedness ahead of the pandemic.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in