UK Covid inquiry stands firm in dispute regarding Boris Johnson's WhatsApp messages

LONDON

The lead counsel for the UK coronavirus inquiry provided additional information Tuesday on communication between his team and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding the release of requested information, according to media reports.

Baroness Heather Hallett displayed determination at a hearing in the ongoing dispute with the government regarding Johnson's WhatsApp messages from the COVID-19 period.

Hallett said the Cabinet Office had chosen to initiate legal action in an attempt to prevent unredacted messages and notebooks of the former prime minister from being handed to the inquiry, despite a missed deadline for submission.

But Hugo Keith KC, the counsel for the inquiry, indicated that Hallet is likely to have the opportunity to examine a significant portion of the disputed material before a court hearing.

Partygate was the name given to the scandal that saw dozens of parties held during the pandemic at the Prime Minister's Office and government departments.

Johnson was ousted by his own party last July following a series of allegations.

Hallett initiated the official launch of the UK COVID inquiry last July, marking the commencement of its first investigation.

The inquiry is divided into different investigations which will examine different parts of the UK’s preparedness for and response to the pandemic and its effect.

The inquiry has initiated three investigations: the UK’s pandemic preparedness and resilience, core political and administrative decision-making in the UK and devolved administrations, and the effect of the pandemic on health care systems.

An expedited High Court hearing will take place around June 30.