Agenda and minutes

The Committee discussed and considered it’s approach to evidence gathering for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report.

The Committee considered the use of Oaths and Affirmations and agreed to write to Business Committee to propose an additional temporary Standing Order 35 – Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee to allow the Committee discretion to require witnesses to take an Oath before providing evidence.

Co-Chair Joyce Watson MS welcomed Members and the public to the meeting.

The Committee noted the letter.

The Committee announced its approach to engagement and evidence gathering for consideration of Module 1 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry as follows:

• The Committee has commissioned Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to undertake a gap analysis of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry module 1 report;
• The Committee has appointed Dr Simon Williams, Swansea University as a long term advisor to the Committee;
• The Committee will meet with the Covid Committee Observation Group in relation to the potential ‘gaps’ they have identified in the preparedness and response of the Welsh Government during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Committee will undertake a public consultation from 8 November 2024 to 3 January 2025 on Module 1 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
• The Committee will hold a hybrid stakeholder event on Monday 2 December in Cardiff to hear views on the Module 1 report and identify any potential gaps.
• The Committee noted that the Welsh Government’s response to the Module 1 report is likely to be published in December 2024/January 2025.
• The evidence gathered through the consultation and stakeholder event, along with the gap analysis by NTU and Welsh Government’s response to the Module 1 report, will be used by the Committee to identify and agree on any gaps in the preparedness and response of the Welsh Government and other Welsh public bodies during the Covid-19 pandemic that should be subject to further examination. These gaps will be proposed in a motion for consideration by the Senedd.
• Subject to approval, the Committee will begin holding evidence sessions in public with the Welsh Government and relevant public bodies. The Committee does not envisage these sessions starting until the New Year.