Scottish Government to Release 14,000 WhatsApp Messages to UK Covid Inquiry Amid Deletion Controversy

Government under scrutiny for noncompliance and alleged deletion of official communication during handling of Covid-19 pandemic; critics accuse leaders of secrecy and cover-up.

• The Scottish government has announced it will be releasing over 14,000 WhatsApp messages to the UK Covid Inquiry. Deputy First Minister Shona Robison confirmed that First Minister Humza Yousaf will also share his unredacted messages.
• Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of deleting WhatsApp messages relevant to the inquiry but has repeatedly denied these allegations, insisting she has 'nothing to hide'.
• The government has faced criticisms from opposition MSPs accusing ministers of a cover-up, responding to which Ms. Robison apologised to bereaved families for 'any lack of clarity' about material provided to the inquiries.
• The Scottish government received a legal order under section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 to release the messages due to data privacy concerns. All requested messages will be shared in full, and unredacted by November 6.
• Critics, including Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour's health spokesperson Jackie Baillie, accuse the government of deliberate and coordinated withholding of information, calling it a 'cover-up'.

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