‘Catastrophic failure’: UK Covid families welcome inquiry findings on PPE
Families of Covid-19 victims have welcomed the findings of a UK government inquiry that identified a 'catastrophic failure' in PPE procurement. The report highlights that billions were wasted and lives were lost due to inadequate equipment and questionable government contracting practices.
Why it matters
This report provides official accountability for government mismanagement during a global health crisis, potentially influencing future pandemic preparedness and public trust.
Naomi Fulop at the Covid memorial wall in London in 2024. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer Naomi Fulop at the Covid memorial wall in London in 2024. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer Covid inquiry ‘Catastrophic failure’: UK Covid families welcome inquiry findings on PPE Campaigners feel vindicated by some of report’s conclusions but are unconvinced by its verdict on ‘VIP lane’
Johnson government wasted £10bn on PPE, Covid inquiry finds
David Conn Tue 14 Jul 2026 10.34 EDT Last modified on Tue 14 Jul 2026 21.31 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google I n the slightly incongruous setting of south London’s splendid Kia Oval cricket stadium, Naomi Fulop gathered her strength to give the assembled British media her response to the damning findings of Heather Hallett’s latest Covid inquiry report.
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