Welsh health minister apologises for pain caused by pandemic mistakes
It's after a report based mainly on the UK's response
Wales's health minister has said there was a fundamental difference in the approach taken by the Welsh and UK Governments on how to handle the Covid-19 crisis, claiming the former chose a public health response while Downing Street focused on the economic impact of the pandemic.
Eluned Morgan - Baroness Morgan of Ely - rejected a finding in a report published by MPs on the UK's coronavirus planning that "groupthink" had led to a slow reaction from Wales, as well as the other three nations.
But said she was "prepared to apologise" to those who have suffered during the pandemic for any failures by the Welsh Government.
Speaking at press briefing about the country's vaccination programme on Tuesday, during which she was asked about the study, Ms Morgan said: "I was a member of the Cabinet at the time and I can tell you there was very robust discussions in relation to Covid.
"I am very clear also that we were very focused on the public health situation.
"We've got to be aware that maybe there was a slight difference in emphasis coming from England, who were very much focused perhaps on the economic aspects of what coronavirus might mean."
She added: "I don't agree that there was a 'groupthink' approach in Wales. Our discussions in Cabinet are always open, robust and respectful. And that's something the First Minister has encouraged throughout the pandemic."
Asked about Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Stephen Barclay's refusal to apologise on TV for policy failings that led to deaths, Baroness Morgan said: "I never really understood why politicians have such a problem in apologising.
"And so, yes, of course I'm prepared to apologise to all of those who have suffered during the pandemic.
"This was a new disease that we've never seen before. None of us knew how it was going to impact, none of us knew how it was going to spread, none of us had any idea of the fact that it could be spread even without showing any symptoms.
"Of course we had a huge amount to learn and I'm pleased to say that we have learned over the course of the pandemic.
"Of course, we've made some mistakes at the beginning of that process because of the lack of information and data, and knowledge that we have now have learned, and of course I think we have a duty and responsibility to say sorry to people where we've made mistakes."
She said the possibility of Wales holding its own country-specific pandemic inquiry is still "under review", but they are still hopeful that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will agree to First Minister Mark Drakeford's requests for a broad-reaching, UK-wide public inquiry.
Baroness Morgan said that, while infection rates in Wales remain high, a recent fall in cases suggests the country is "past the peak of the Delta wave".
She also warned that graphs suggest cases of flu this winter could be 50%-100% higher than in a typical season, and could peak at a different time.
Deputy chief medical officer for vaccines Dr Gill Richardson said 4.7 million doses have now been given out in Wales, calling it "an incredible achievement".
She said that, over the next fortnight, the target is to have invited all 12 to 15-year-olds for a vaccination and offered all eligible care home residents a booster jab.
The Welsh Government claims the country's vaccination programme has avoided 7,000 deaths and 10,000 hospital admissions.