Key Moments from Nicola Sturgeon’s Evidence Session at the UK Covid Inquiry

The UK Covid Inquiry, an independent public inquiry into the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been ongoing since late 2022. One of the most anticipated evidence sessions was given by former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on January 31, 2024. In this article, we will explore some of the key moments from her evidence session in Edinburgh.

Nicola Sturgeon, who led Scotland during the initial stages of the pandemic, was under scrutiny for her government’s handling of the crisis. The evidence session was held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and was broadcast live on various media outlets.

Emotional Testimony

Sturgeon began her testimony by expressing her deep regret for the loss of life during the pandemic. She spoke about the emotional toll the crisis had taken on her and her government. She also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Scottish people during the various lockdowns and restrictions.

Deletion of WhatsApp Messages

One of the most contentious issues during Sturgeon’s evidence session was the deletion of WhatsApp messages. She admitted to deleting messages related to the pandemic but insisted that it was not an attempt to hide anything. She explained that she had been deleting messages on a frequent basis during the pandemic to manage her inbox.

Covid-19 Strategy

Sturgeon defended her government’s Covid-19 strategy, stating that it was based on the best available scientific evidence at the time. She acknowledged that mistakes had been made but argued that they were made in good faith. She also spoke about the challenges her government faced during the pandemic, including the lack of resources and the pressure to act quickly.

Reactions from the Public

The evidence session sparked reactions from the public, with some expressing support for Sturgeon and others criticizing her handling of the pandemic. Families of those who lost loved ones during the crisis were particularly vocal in their criticism. Sturgeon responded by expressing her deep sympathy for their loss and her commitment to learning from the past.

Impact on Mental Health

Sturgeon also spoke about the impact of the pandemic on mental health. She acknowledged that the crisis had taken a toll on the mental health of many people and urged governments to prioritize mental health services. She also spoke about her own experiences with mental health during the pandemic and the importance of self-care.

Conclusion

Nicola Sturgeon’s evidence session at the UK Covid Inquiry was a significant moment in the inquiry’s proceedings. Her testimony provided insights into her government’s handling of the pandemic and the challenges they faced. It also highlighted the emotional toll the crisis had taken on political leaders and the importance of mental health services. As the inquiry continues, we can expect more revelations and insights into the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.