Downing Street denies accusations of a cover-up in the release of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages to the Covid inquiry. The inquiry demanded the unredacted messages, diaries, and notebooks by Thursday. The Cabinet Office argues that some material is irrelevant, but opposition parties insist on full disclosure for the inquiry to determine relevance.
Mr. Johnson will testify in the inquiry, set to start hearings in two weeks. The deadline for submitting the material was extended, and the Cabinet Office revealed that it currently lacks the WhatsApp messages and notebooks. If not received by Thursday, the Cabinet Office must provide correspondence with Mr. Johnson on the matter.
A spokesperson for Mr. Johnson stated that he had no objection to disclosing the material and had cooperated with his Cabinet Office legal team, who had access to it. However, Mr. Johnson stopped cooperating with his government-appointed lawyers and is appointing his own legal representation.
The Cabinet Office is concerned that releasing Mr. Johnson’s WhatsApp messages could set a dangerous precedent. They argue that ministers need privacy for idea exchange, but proper policy recording is crucial.
Downing Street states that certain material is irrelevant to the inquiry, such as personal messages or non-pandemic-related content. They claim that the inquiry lacks the authority to compel disclosure. The government worries about potential adverse impacts on future policy formulation.
Baroness Hallett, chairing the inquiry, states that it’s her role, not the government’s, to decide relevance. Ministers are confident in their position, but a legal battle may arise, with courts deciding what material is released.
Political figures and campaign groups voice their opinions. Labour’s deputy leader emphasizes that the inquiry, not ministers, should decide relevance. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader raises suspicions of a cover-up. Campaign groups representing bereaved families criticize the Cabinet Office’s attempt to control material release.
The former head of the civil service deems the Cabinet Office’s stance misguided, suggesting a cover-up to protect ministers while defending confidentiality.
The Cabinet Office reaffirms its commitment to obligations and providing relevant material. The inquiry aims to learn lessons from pandemic handling and will also investigate vaccines and government procurement, including contracts for personal protective equipment.
