logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2023
31m 59s

What to expect from the Covid inquiry

THE TIMES
About this episode

It’s already been the subject of controversy – causing a row over access to Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages – and it hasn’t even begun. On Tuesday the main hearings for one of the biggest public inquiries in British history will finally kick off. We examine the key questions being asked at the Covid inquiry that could keep the government awake at night.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Guests:

- James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

- George Arbuthnott, Deputy Insight Editor, The Sunday Times, and co-author of Failures of State: The Inside Story of Britain’s Battle with Coronavirus.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: BBC News, ITV News, LBC, Sky News.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
The forgotten postmaster ‘hounded to death’ by investigators
<p>Of the thirteen sub-postmasters thought to have taken their own lives because of the Post Office scandal, only two have been named publicly. Michael Mann was one of them. Our reporter has spoken to his family, former partner and ex-colleagues to tell his story for the first ti ... Show More
33m 17s
Yesterday
A new peace plan, and a critical moment for Zelensky
<p>The prospect of peace in Ukraine may be edging closer, after the leak of a controversial 28-point plan to end the war prompted Ukrainian and Western officials to meet for ‘productive’ talks in Geneva. Is this the beginning of the end? And how does the latest proposal ensure th ... Show More
30m 48s
Nov 24
Porn, strangulation and the law
<p>A recent survey revealed that more than half of 16 to 34-year-olds have taken part in strangulation during sex, despite the risks of a loss of consciousness and stroke. Many feel a rise in choking in pornography is to blame, a practice the UK government is set to ban. Baroness ... Show More
31m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
WhatsAppening at the Covid Inquiry?
It was a day of explosive evidence and revealing WhatsApp messages at today’s session of the Covid inquiry. First up was former senior civil servant Martin Reynolds, who apologised “unreservedly” for organising BYOB lockdown parties. He also faced questions on why messages in a W ... Show More
34m 20s
Nov 2023
The Covid Inquiry Enquiries
The latest evidence to the Covid Inquiry included the revelation that the former health secretary Matt Hancock wanted to decide “who should live or die” in the event of the NHS becoming overwhelmed. That was the testimony given by Sir Simon Stevens, who led NHS England until 2021 ... Show More
33m 57s
Jan 2024
Nicola Sturgeon at the Covid Inquiry: Tears and deleted WhatsApps
Today we look at the Covid Inquiry, where former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave evidence, and we bring you the detail on Northern Ireland’s new Brexit deal. An emotional Nicola Sturgeon also defended deleting all her WhatsApp messages during the period saying that all “relev ... Show More
34m 23s
Mar 2020
Introducing Stories of our times; Has the government done enough?
<p>Today an edition of our new daily podcast - Stories of our times. Our new free daily news podcast takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and reporting. Published for the start of your day, it is hosted by Manveen Rana and David Aaronovitch.</p ... Show More
22m 42s
Nov 2023
Covid Inquiry Consequences
Evidence at the Covid inquiry has shown there were huge tensions within Number 10 during the pandemic. But is what we're hearing damaging the reputation of the current government?Laura’s been talking to the Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden about it.We also discuss the politica ... Show More
26m 55s
Mar 2023
The secrets of TV news
New host Aggie Chambre takes us inside the world of TV News, and asks how the advent of 24-hour rolling coverage has shaped British politics. Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge explains the importance of the Sunday shows to the Westminster news cycle, and reveals the reaction from Do ... Show More
52m 59s
Mar 2023
Gary Lineker row: How does the BBC get impartiality right?
Gary Lineker will return to BBC screens after reaching a deal with the corporation over an impartiality row. The Match of the Day host was removed from the show temporarily over comments made on his personal Twitter account about the UK government’s small boats policy. On the Sky ... Show More
20m 15s
Jan 2024
Yemen strikes: The political fallout
We look at how Westminster is reacting to the US and UK airstrikes in Yemen.Laura and Paddy discuss why the UK got involved, Sunak’s decision not to ask Parliament first, and Labour backing the military action. Laura’s got Sir Keir Starmer on her BBC One show on Sunday, and the S ... Show More
32m 24s
Jan 2024
Is democracy dying?
Why are younger voters around the world turning their back on democracy in favour of strongman leaders who are prepared to defy parliaments?In a year when more than two billion people in 50 countries will go to the polls – the biggest global election year in history – Amol and Ni ... Show More
47m 54s
Feb 2024
Will Young: popstar to politician? Plus Westminster ceasefire row
Nish and guest co-presenter Liz Bates set the scene on what went on to become a chaotic night  in the Commons, that put speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s job at risk. They call out the “pathetic and petty” political game playing that sought to use the suffering of people in Gaza to embarra ... Show More
54m 22s