Petition launched for public inquiry into handling of Covid-19 in Wales
A campaign group has been set up by families of people who died from Covid
Last updated 21st Sep 2021
The Welsh government have been put under increased pressure to launch a Wales-specific public inquiry into the decisions taken by them during the pandemic.
Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice - Cymru, is the recently formed campaign group that have launched the petition requesting an inquest.
The group, which has been set up alongside the UK-wide campaign, was founded by families of people who have died from Coronavirus acquired in hospitals and care homes in Wales.
'A necessary step'
Co-founder Anna-Lousie Marsh-Rees' father died of Coronavirus after catching it whilst in hospital, and says a petition is vital step in getting the necessary answers after not receiving a response from First Minister Mark Drakeford.
"We totally believe a Wales inquiry is the right way to progress getting the answers and investigation that we need", said Marsh-Rees.
"This isn't just about looking back, it's about looking forward. It's getting the right policies, the right guidelines in place."
The petition states that hospitals and care homes in Wales had poor ventilation, Covid patients were put on non-Covid wards, PPE was lacking and that many patients were sent home without being re-tested, which spread infection in communities.
The petition also reads that "decisions taken in Wales which affected the people of Wales should be scrutinised in Wales."
Calls for a UK-wide investigation
Demands for a Wales-specific inquest come despite recent comments made by Professor Hugh Pennington, who chaired the E. Coli inquiry in 2005.
He told the BBC that he thought a UK-wide inquiry which gave "detailed attention" to Wales would be better suited.
The petition by the Welsh campaign argued against this, and stated that "The Welsh Government deserve to be properly scrutinised - not a footnote in a UK Government inquiry."
Plenty of support
Anna-Lousie Marsh-Rees, co-leader of Wales' branch of the campaign, also said the organisation is receiving lots of support outside of government leadership.
She says the campaign is "not just working with opposition parties, but possibly some people within the Labour Party."
Key influencing groups such as British Lung and Asthma Association are supporting the call for a petition.
The campaigners are also receiving legal support from Welsh Solicitor firm Harding Evans, who have stated "to assist them in their efforts to establish a independent Welsh Inquiry".