Manchester MP remembers loved ones in call for a Covid-19 public inquiry

Afzal Khan MP has called on the Government to commit to launching a full public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.

Afzal Khan MP spoke during a virtual PMQs to call on the Government to commit to a full public inquiry
Author: Tom DambachPublished 24th Mar 2021

Manchester Gorton MP, Afzal Khan, has called on the Government to commit to launching a full public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.

During Prime Minister’s Questions the MP detailed how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected his family as an entire generation lost their lives, including both of his parents.

This comes following the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 March, which marked the first anniversary of the UK going into a national lockdown.

Afzal Khan joins the growing calls from prominent public figures, bereaved families, ethnic minority leaders, as well as medics and scientists for a full, independent public inquiry to begin once we reach the end of the roadmap.

Afzal Khan MP said: “Families up and down the country are grieving the loss of a loved one, including my own. We deserve to know that there was nothing more the Government could have done to prevent this tragedy.

“The Chilcot and Hillsborough Inquiries demonstrate why we shouldn’t and mustn’t wait for the next Parliament to start work on this inquiry. With 126,000 lives lost, justice delayed would be justice denied.

“I will continue fighting for justice for my mum, my father-in-law and my mother-in-law, as well as the hundreds of thousands of lives have been so cruelly cut short.”

Responding, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed there would be a full public inquiry "as soon as it wouldn't be an irresponsible diversion of the key officials."