Gove Denies UK Government Used Pandemic to Strengthen Union

Levelling Up Secretary argues Scottish ministers diverged on policy for political gain, as UK Covid-19 Inquiry continues.

Michael Gove, Levelling Up Secretary, denies that the UK government used the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen support for the union, arguing that Scottish ministers diverged on policy to advance their political agenda.
Gove referenced WhatsApp messages between Scotland's former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and her then chief of staff, Liz Lloyd, suggesting a desire for differentiation from the UK Government during the pandemic for political gain.
Gove praised former finance secretary Kate Forbes as one of the most constructive ministers in the Scottish Government, but said former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was sometimes political in her correspondence with UK counterparts.
Gove also mentioned that former prime minister Boris Johnson was irritated by Sturgeon's divergent decision to ban large gatherings shortly after a UK Cobra meeting had concluded.
The inquiry, chaired by Baroness Hallett, continues.