The UK Covid-19 public inquiry began today with a solemn vow people who lost loved ones during the pandemic and all those who have suffered will be at its 'heart'.
Former Court of Appeal judge Baroness Heather Hallett opened the independent inquiry in London, saying she would conduct a 'thorough' and 'fair' hearing.
Baroness Hallett said the inquiry would likely 'analyse our state of readiness for the pandemic and the response to it and determine whether that level of loss was inevitable, or whether things could have been done better'.
The Government's response, and its impact on patients, NHS and social care staff and the public, is also set to be examined.