Closing statements delivered in Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on Vaccines and Therapeutics
After 3 weeks of public hearings, Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry completed on Friday 31 January 2025, with closing statements delivered by Core Participants.
A number of Doughty Street barristers are instructed for Core Participants in Module 4.
Adam Wagner, Hayley Douglas and Lameesa Iqbal are instructed by Kim Harrison and Shane Smith of Slater and Gordon Lawyers for Clinically Vulnerable Families. Watch the closing statement here.
Kate Beattie is instructed by Shamik Dutta and Caleb Simpson of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors for Disabled People’s Organisations, led by Danny Friedman KC of Matrix Chambers. Watch the closing statement here.
Module 4 has considered a range of issues relating to the development of Covid-19 vaccines and the implementation of the vaccine rollout programme in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thematic issues relating to unequal vaccine uptake have been examined, including identification of groups which were the subject of unequal uptake, potential causes of such unequal uptake, and the Government response.
Module 4 has also considered the development, procurement, and deployment of new and repurposed therapeutic and prophylactic medications during the pandemic, which are of particular relevance for clinically vulnerable people at higher risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19.
There has been a focus on lessons learned and preparedness for the next pandemic.
Barristers from Doughty Street Chambers have questioned politicians, healthcare service leaders, scientific advisory committees, medicines regulators, and experts instructed by the Inquiry, including: Sir Sajid Javid, Lord Alok Sharma, Nadhim Zahawi, Lord Bethell, Professor Wei Shen Lim, Dame Emily Lawson, Clara Swinson, Helen Knight, Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Professor Nicholas White (expert on therapeutics), Dr Tracey Chantler and Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush (the experts on vaccine delivery and disparities in uptake).
