Covid inquiry – live: George Osborne claims austerity had ‘positive’ effect on UK’s ability to withstand Covid

George Osborne is giving evidence to the Covid inquiry today

David Cameron tells Covid Inquiry his government spent more time ‘on pandemic flu’

Austerity had a “positive” effect on the UK’s ability to withstand the Covid-19 pandemic, former chancellor George Osborne has claimed.

In his witness statement submitted to the Covid inquiry, Mr Osborne said austerity had a positive effect because it meant public finances recovered.

“Reducing the deficit and placing debt as a percentage of GDP on a downward path was also essential to rebuild fiscal space to provide scope to respond to future economic shocks,” Mr Osborne said.

“I have no doubt that taking those steps to repair the UK’s public finances in the years following the financial crisis of 2008/09 had a material and positive effect on the UK’s ability to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he continued.

George Osborne is giving evidence to the Covid inquiry today after a doctor’s union said the former chancellor must be “taken to task” over austerity-era decisions that “left us so unprepared” for the pandemic.

It comes after David Cameron said he is “desperately sorry” for the loss of life during the pandemic on Monday.

Key Points

• George Osborne gives evidence at Covid inquiry
• Osborne 'completely rejects' austerity resulted in depleted health and social care
• George Osborne claims austerity had ‘positive’ effect on UK’s ability to withstand Covid
• There was no planning for a lockdown, says Osborne
• ‘Mistake not to look at other types of pandemic,’ says David Cameron

[19 June 2023 07:47 · Matt Mathers]

David Cameron to appear at 11am

Former prime minister Mr Cameron will become the first politician to appear under oath when he is sworn in on Monday, the inquiry has said.

He will be followed by former chancellor Mr Osborne, as well as Jeremy Hunt, the current Chancellor who served as health secretary in the austerity-era Government of the 2010s.

The inquiry will examine how prepared the UK was for the pandemic, meaning economic policies in the years leading up to the first outbreak will be taken into its wide remit.

It is unclear how long each witness will spend giving evidence.

Former PM David Cameron and former chancellor George Osborne (PA)

[19 June 2023 07:45 · Matt Mathers]

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Covid 19 Inquiry.

We’ll bring you updates throughout the day as former prime minister David Cameron prepares to give evidence.

Mr Cameron is due to appear at 11am and will be followed by his former chancellor George Osborne and health secretary Jeremy Hunt, the current chancellor.