Responding to testimony given by Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings at the Covid Inquiry today, Professor Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council, said:

“At this session we’ve heard disturbing testimony about dysfunction at the heart of Government, a dismissiveness of expert advice, a failure to act quickly and a callous disregard for people’s lives.

“Hearing the accounts today of conversations that were taking place at the highest levels in early 2020, and lengthy discussions around who was to blame for the lack of timely action to protect the population, will be incredibly triggering for doctors and the public. From very early on we could see what colleagues in other parts of the world were dealing with and all we could do was look on terrified and helpless, as the UK Government failed to take this seriously and ignore expert public health advice.

“Amid the political infighting and point scoring, we must not lose sight of the fact that Government decisions – or lack thereof – have had a lasting impact on the public and healthcare workers, many of whom continue to live with the trauma experienced during the pandemic.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.