UK Covid Inquiry Reveals Tension and Disagreements Among Top Advisers

Former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance reveals disagreements with chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty over lockdown timings, criticizes government's claim of 'following the science', and admits first lockdown was 'too late'.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK's former chief scientific adviser, revealed in his evidence to the Covid inquiry that there was tension between him and the chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, over the timing of lockdowns. Vallance wanted to introduce restrictions more quickly than Whitty, who had concerns about the broader consequences of restrictions on people's health.
Vallance's diary entries, presented to the inquiry, showed his frustration with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's understanding of the scientific data and his inconsistency in decision-making. Vallance also claimed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme drove the second wave of Covid infections.
Vallance criticized the government's claim of 'following the science', stating it gave undue weight to scientific advice over arguments for protecting the economy. He suggested the formation of an economic advisory group similar to the scientific advisory group Sage.
Vallance admitted that the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic was imposed about a 'week too late' and that similar mistakes were made later in the year when certain areas of England were put into enhanced measures due to the spread of the disease.
Sir Chris Whitty, the government's most senior medical adviser during the pandemic, is due to give evidence to the Covid inquiry. He is expected to discuss his differing views with Vallance over when to lock down and his concerns about the broader consequences of restrictions on people's health.