- By Chris Mason
- Political Editor, BBC News
1 hour ago
There has been a flood of news about Boris Johnson.
But when we look beyond the former Prime Minister, the real issue is how, or even if, we will ever learn the whole truth about what happened among those making the big decisions in Westminster during the pandemic.
There is currently a dispute between the public inquiry into Covid and the government.
At its heart is the issue of disclosure.
How much black marker, if any, should be put into various messages written by and sent between high-ranking government officials at the time so that we can’t read them properly?
Westminster calls it “redactions”.
Covid victim groups say it’s egregious and a cover-up.
Numerous letters have been sent back and forth as part of the Covid investigation, highlighting this dispute.
Prof. Sir Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Physician.
Sir Patrick Vallance, former chief scientific adviser to the Government in Westminster.
Those companions to those late-night briefings we’ve grown accustomed to.
And yes – among many others – Rishi Sunak.
So why is the government saying “no”?
The crux of the matter is the part of the law that relates to public inquiries and how they work. It’s called the Inquiries Act 2005.
The government claims that some of the materials sought are “clearly irrelevant” to the investigation.
Government sources assume they have a good case. But that also applies to the investigation.
And do you know what happens when that happens? Lawyers get involved.
Image source: Getty Images
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The official Covid inquiry is due to start hearings next month
His taxpayer-funded lawyers preparing him for the Covid investigation uncovered evidence they say could amount to further breaches of pandemic restrictions.
The Cabinet Office, the engine room at the heart of government, was informed, and officials informed the police.
Mr Johnson is furious and is now looking for new lawyers.
New lawyers, same billpayer – you and I, the taxpayer.
The convention here is that when government officials or former government officials are brought to justice for their past public duties, public funds are available for their legal representation.
A source insisted Mr Johnson’s legal purchase would not increase the bill.
This blizzard of details starring a certain Mr Johnson is just the beginning.
The fight for credit, accountability and ultimately the truth about Covid is only just beginning.