Matt Hancock Details PPE Shortages, Political Interference During Covid Inquiry

The former UK health secretary testified that hospitals came close to running out of PPE and criticized political meddling in pandemic response efforts.

Matt Hancock revealed that England's hospitals were within hours of running out of certain PPE items during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He emphasized the need for mandatory vaccination of NHS and social care staff and immediate mask use in hospitals during future pandemics.
Hancock accused political appointees in Downing Street of causing significant challenges, particularly in Covid-19 testing operations.
He criticized former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for creating difficulties in collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments during the crisis.
Hancock defended the 'Stay Home, Save Lives' messaging, stating it was necessary to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, despite delays in non-urgent medical treatments.