Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister
Today, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will begin hearing oral evidence in its final module: Module 10. This examines the impact of the pandemic on the UK population, with a particular focus on key workers, the bereaved, mental health and wellbeing. Three weeks of hearings are scheduled between now and 5 March.
The pandemic had a profound and lasting impact on everyone in Wales. Our thoughts are with all the families and individuals who sadly experienced the immense loss of a loved one and all those whose lives have been changed by the pandemic.
Module 10 is the first part of the inquiry in which the Welsh Government will not have had a formal role as a core participant. However, we have contributed a wide range of relevant evidence to previous modules of the inquiry, which relate to the important matters covered by this module.
We will also follow the hearings very closely, as we continue to learn from the evidence presented to the inquiry. These final hearings are a further opportunity to reflect and learn from the personal testimonies of those people who were most directly impacted by the pandemic.
I intend to publish the Welsh Government’s response to the inquiry’s Module 2 report about decision-making structures before the end of the Senedd term.