Bereaved families group seek answers over Wales Covid inquiry
Bereaved families say they want clarity over plans for a non-statutory review of the Covid pandemic in Wales, after claiming they were previously assured a statutory inquiry would take place.
Sam Smith-Higgins, co-lead of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru, said she had been told in March that the use of the word “review” was simply a matter of terminology.
She said the group had since spent four months working with solicitors and the Welsh Government to develop proposals for a statutory inquiry, estimated to cost £10m and take around 18 months.
Ms Smith-Higgins said the proposed inquiry would build on evidence already gathered through the UK Covid inquiry, rather than starting again.
She said families had unanimously decided not to take part in a non-statutory review, and wanted to understand why the approach had changed.
The group says it has tried to engage with the Welsh Government since May, but has only had one 30-minute meeting with the minister responsible.
Ms Smith-Higgins said it was important that the pandemic's impact on families, children and communities in Wales was properly examined.
The Welsh Government has been approached for comment and said it will make a statement on Tuesday.