Scottish families meet the Government to demand assurances on a Covid-19 inquiry
They want a promise their voices will be heard
Last updated 17th Aug 2021
Scottish families who've lost loved ones to Coronavirus will meet with the Deputy First Minister and Health Secretary today to discuss plans for a future public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland.
Members of ‘Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice’ will be represented by lawyer Amer Anwar, who says they'll be looking for assurances that their voices will be heard and that those repsonsible for deaths will be held to account.
At the meeting they will be asking for a commitment the Scottish Government will not wait for the UK government to establish a public inquiry, as well as a date for when an inquiry, dealing with devolved issues.
The group is also asking to be consulted when the terms of reference for any public inquiry are drafted, and for assurances that all who wish to give evidence are able to do so.
Ahead of the meeting Mr Anwar said: "I am acutely aware of the sense of powerlessness that is felt by people who have lost loved ones, who in the midst of the grief are forced to campaign and take on institutions such as the Government, hospitals or the justice system simply to get to the truth.
"Nobody should expect families of victims to be silent parties, nor should they be taken for granted. Any Inquiry set up must retain the confidence of the Scottish families and an assurance that their voices would be heard.
"No family should ever have to go through the burden of losing a loved one and then to find that the legal system fails them.
"The Scottish Parliament voted for an inquiry and it was in the SNP mandate to have an inquiry, however if a UK only Inquiry goes ahead the families we represent want to ensure there is a full and proper inquiry that takes on board the concerns of the Scottish families.