Matt Hancock says UK's pandemic strategy was completely wrong

Ex-health secretary Matt Hancock has criticised the UK's pandemic planning before Covid hit, saying it was "completely wrong".

He told the Covid Inquiry that planning was focused on the provision of body bags and how to bury the dead, rather than stopping the virus taking hold.

He said he was "profoundly sorry" for each death.

After giving evidence he approached some of the bereaved families, but they turned their backs on him as he left.

The former health secretary, who answered questions from the inquiry on Tuesday, said he understood his apology might be difficult for families to accept, even though it was "honest and heartfelt".

Under questioning from Hugo Keith KC, lead counsel to the Covid Inquiry, Mr Hancock stressed that the "attitude, the doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster".

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Source: BBC News, 27 June 2023