Draft Terms of Reference for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry - insight for business and industry

The Cabinet Office has today published eagerly anticipated draft Terms of Reference for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

The draft Terms appear at first glance to be very wide – the Inquiry will (1) examine the COVID-19 response and the impact of the pandemic in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and produce a factual narrative account; and (2) identify the lessons to be learned from the above, thereby to inform the UK’s preparations for future pandemics.

Underneath these two broad headings, the draft Terms of Reference give examples of more specific areas for consideration. Unsurprisingly many of these relate to the actions and reactions of the government and healthcare sector. But business and industry will note with interest explicit reference to including “the closure and reopening of the hospitality, retail, sport and leisure sectors, and cultural institutions” and “support for businesses and jobs, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, loans schemes, business rates relief and grants”.

Terms of Reference are important in a public inquiry because they define its scope and purpose. The draft terms for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry are not finalised – there will now follow a consultation period led by Inquiry Chair, Baroness Hallett. Baroness Hallett has indicated that she will consult with “the public, including with bereaved families and other affected groups”. Details of the consultation are due to be published on the Inquiry website, UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry (public-inquiry.uk) on Friday, 11 March.