PRESS STATEMENT – FOLLOWING THE MEETING WITH LORD BRAILSFORD THE NEW CHAIR OF THE SCOTTISH COVID PUBLIC INQUIRY

Aamer Anwar- Solicitor on behalf on behalf of the families-

The Scottish Covid Bereaved families welcomed the genuine empathy and compassion that Lord Brailsford showed them today, as they told him their heart breaking stories.

The families recognise the mammoth task faced by Lord Brailsford, but believe he has pressed the reset button on the Scottish Inquiry and were heartened to learn that he hopes to commence hearings in 2023.

It important that Lord Brailsford is working closely with the UK Inquiry, at which we also represent the Scottish Covid Bereaved, this will ensure efficiency and that no stone is left unturned.

The families expect this Inquiry to investigate robustly and fiercely defend its independence, ensuring that there is a legacy for those who died.

Whether it be care homes, hospitals, work places, DNR’s, lack of visiting rights, lack of shielding, shifting guidelines & protocols, lack of PPE and so much more- whether it be politicians, officials, health trusts or Governments there should be no hiding place for those who took the wrong decisions that needlessly cost the lives of thousands.

Dr Alan Wightman- Who lost his mum Helen Wightman (1932) to Covid 19 at a Carehome on 6th May 2020

Scottish Covid Bereaved would like to thank Lord Brailsford for meeting with members of our group today and for explaining how the Scottish Covid Public Inquiry is being reset to address the concerns of the bereaved relatives in a timely manner. We offer our ongoing support to the Inquiry in its preparations to fully investigate those matters of most concern to our membership.