Debate Over Covid's Origins Ignites as UK Inquiry Avoids Topic

Senior Cabinet Minister Michael Gove suggests virus could be man-made, sparking criticism over inquiry's scope and calls for deeper investigation into Wuhan Institute of Virology.

• Michael Gove, a senior Cabinet minister, suggested during the Covid Inquiry that the virus could have been man-made, sparking debate about the origin of the virus.
• The Inquiry counsel, Hugo Keith KC, stated that the origin of the virus is not within the inquiry's scope, leading to criticism about the inquiry's remit.
• Experts argue that understanding the origins of the virus is crucial for future preparedness and to potentially introduce a moratorium on risky research.
• There is speculation about the Wuhan Institute of Virology's role in the pandemic, with concerns about its biosecurity and 'gain of function' work to increase the infectiousness of coronaviruses.
• The Chinese authorities have consistently denied allegations of a lab leak and have blocked attempts to access laboratories, research notebooks or sample databases.

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