Scottish Covid Inquiry to Hear from Ministers as Hearings Schedule Slips to 2027
Lord Brailsford, the chairman of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry, has announced that ministers from during the pandemic and their senior aides will be called to give evidence. In an update issued on Tuesday, he revealed that the timeline for hearings is likely to slip into 2027, marking a delay from previous expectations.
Inquiry Update and Next Steps
During an online hearing, Lord Brailsford provided details on the next phases of the inquiry, which is examining the response of the Scottish Government to the Covid-19 pandemic. He did not specify which ministers would be called to give evidence, but emphasised that the inquiry will first hear from organisations responsible for implementing pandemic-related decisions in sessions planned for October 2026.
Lord Brailsford, who took over as chairman in October 2022, stated: "Structuring the inquiry in this way means that the inquiry can ensure that it has at its full disposal all available evidence, before hearing from the senior Government officials and elected ministers who were responsible for taking the decisions on how best to respond to the pandemic." He added that the inquiry is also likely to hear from senior advisers to Scottish ministers.
Delay in Hearings and Personal Testimonies
The chairman expressed regret over the delay, noting that in June 2025, he had indicated the inquiry would start and conclude its remaining hearings in 2026. He said: "I regret to advise that that will not be possible." Lord Brailsford will provide a further update on the decision-making hearings at the conclusion of the sessions in October this year.
He also highlighted that earlier hearings included "deeply personal and distressing" oral evidence, underscoring the emotional impact of the inquiry on witnesses. This comes as Nicola Sturgeon, who was first minister during the pandemic, previously gave evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry in January 2024.
Implications for the Inquiry's Timeline
The extension of hearings into 2027 raises questions about the overall duration and thoroughness of the investigation. The inquiry aims to gather comprehensive evidence before questioning key decision-makers, ensuring a robust examination of the Scottish Government's pandemic response. This delay may affect public confidence and the timely delivery of findings, but Lord Brailsford stressed the importance of a methodical approach to uncover all relevant facts.
