lockdown was on the 25th. i discussed on the 25th. so the i lockdown was on the 25th. one discussed on the 25th. so the - lockdown was on the 25th. one final question. _ lockdown was on the 25th. one final question. please, _ lockdown was on the 25th. one final question, please, in— lockdown was on the 25th. one final question, please, in relation- lockdown was on the 25th. one final question, please, in relation to - lockdown was on the 25th. one final question, please, in relation to the i question, please, in relation to the tockdown— question, please, in relation to the lockdown decision, _ question, please, in relation to the lockdown decision, mr— question, please, in relation to the lockdown decision, mr hancock. i question, please, in relation to the i lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just— lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have _ lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up — lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up to— lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up to 74026. _ lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up to 74026. this - lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up to 74026. this is - lockdown decision, mr hancock. could we just have up to 74026. this is a . we just have up to 74026. this is a summary, — we just have up to 74026. this is a summary, and— we just have up to 74026. this is a summary, and the inquiry- we just have up to 74026. this is a summary, and the inquiry doesn'tl summary, and the inquiry doesn't expect— summary, and the inquiry doesn't exoect you — summary, and the inquiry doesn't exoect you to _ summary, and the inquiry doesn't expect you to have _ summary, and the inquiry doesn't expect you to have read - summary, and the inquiry doesn't expect you to have read through i summary, and the inquiry doesn'tl expect you to have read through it all or— expect you to have read through it all or recollect _ expect you to have read through it all or recollect the _ expect you to have read through it all or recollect the detail- expect you to have read through it all or recollect the detail of- expect you to have read through it all or recollect the detail of it. - all or recollect the detail of it. it all or recollect the detail of it. it is _ all or recollect the detail of it. it is a — all or recollect the detail of it. it is a summary— all or recollect the detail of it. it is a summary of— all or recollect the detail of it. it is a summary of referencesl all or recollect the detail of it. - it is a summary of references from sage _ it is a summary of references from sage meetings, _ it is a summary of references from sage meetings, cobra— it is a summary of references from sage meetings, cobra meetings, l sage meetings, cobra meetings, nrinisteriat— sage meetings, cobra meetings, ministerial meetings _ sage meetings, cobra meetings, ministerial meetings and - sage meetings, cobra meetings, ministerial meetings and so - sage meetings, cobra meetings, ministerial meetings and so on l sage meetings, cobra meetings,| ministerial meetings and so on of how the _ ministerial meetings and so on of how the tii forward to about page seven or eight. a bit more, please. - forward to about page seven or eight. a bit more, please. wel forward to about page seven or- eight. a bit more, please. we have -ot eight. a bit more, please. we have got there _ eight. a bit more, please. we have got there the — eight. a bit more, please. we have got there the 215t _ eight. a bit more, please. we have got there the 215t of— eight. a bit more, please. we have got there the 215t of march, - eight. a bit more, please. we have got there the 215t of march, the - got there the 215t of march, the ministerial— got there the 215t of march, the ministerial group _ got there the 215t of march, the ministerial group meeting - got there the 215t of march, the ministerial group meeting overl got there the 215t of march, the i ministerial group meeting over the weekend _ ministerial group meeting over the weekend where _ ministerial group meeting over the weekend where some _ ministerial group meeting over the weekend where some figures - ministerial group meeting over the weekend where some figures are l ministerial group meeting over the - weekend where some figures are given about ”u _ weekend where some figures are given about ”u beds— weekend where some figures are given about itu beds mac— weekend where some figures are given about itu beds mac beds. _ weekend where some figures are given about itu beds mac beds. if— weekend where some figures are given about itu beds mac beds. if we - weekend where some figures are given about itu beds mac beds. if we go - about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward _ about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward one — about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward one page, _ about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward one page, you _ about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward one page, you will- about itu beds mac beds. if we go forward one page, you will see - forward one page, you will see information— forward one page, you will see information from _ forward one page, you will see information from the _ forward one page, you will see information from the chief- forward one page, you will see - information from the chief executive of the _ information from the chief executive of the nhs _ information from the chief executive of the nhs about _ information from the chief executive of the nhs about the _ information from the chief executive of the nhs about the number- information from the chief executive of the nhs about the number of- information from the chief executive l of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated _ of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds _ of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds and _ of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds and so _ of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds and so on. _ of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds and so on. you - of the nhs about the number of beds, ventilated beds and so on. you will. ventilated beds and so on. you will see that _ ventilated beds and so on. you will see that there _ ventilated beds and so on. you will see that there is _ ventilated beds and so on. you will see that there is a _ ventilated beds and so on. you will see that there is a reference - ventilated beds and so on. you will see that there is a reference about| see that there is a reference about the government's— see that there is a reference about the government's chief— see that there is a reference about the government's chief scientific l the government's chief scientific adviser. — the government's chief scientific adviser. the _ the government's chief scientific adviser, the worse _ the government's chief scientific adviser, the worse case - the government's chief scientific adviser, the worse case scenario the government's chief scientific . adviser, the worse case scenario is that ”u _ adviser, the worse case scenario is that itu capacity _ adviser, the worse case scenario is that itu capacity in _ adviser, the worse case scenario is that itu capacity in london - adviser, the worse case scenario is that itu capacity in london would i adviser, the worse case scenario is. that itu capacity in london would be overwhelmed — that itu capacity in london would be overwhelmed. but _ that itu capacity in london would be overwhelmed. but the _ that itu capacity in london would be overwhelmed. but the projection, i that itu capacity in london would be. overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuality— overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuatity was — overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuatity was 15 — overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuality was 15 days. _ overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuality was 15 days. every— overwhelmed. but the projection, the actuality was 15 days. every school- actuality was 15 days. every school three _ actuality was 15 days. every school three -- _ actuality was 15 days. every school three -- if— actuality was 15 days. every school three -- if we _ actuality was 15 days. every school three —— if we scroll— actuality was 15 days. every school three —— if we scroll through. - three —— if we scroll through. current— three —— if we scroll through. current number— three —— if we scroll through. current number of— three —— if we scroll through. current number of deaths, i three —— if we scroll through. - current number of deaths, numbers of beds _ current number of deaths, numbers of beds 23rd _ current number of deaths, numbers of beds 23rd of— current number of deaths, numbers of beds. 23rd of march, _ current number of deaths, numbers of beds. 23rd of march, how— current number of deaths, numbers of beds. 23rd of march, how the - current number of deaths, numbers of beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs- current number of deaths, numbers of beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs had been stretched — beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs had been stretched in _ beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs had been stretched in intensive _ beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs had been stretched in intensive care - beds. 23rd of march, how the nhs had been stretched in intensive care and l been stretched in intensive care and over the _ been stretched in intensive care and over the page. — been stretched in intensive care and over the page. page _ been stretched in intensive care and over the page, page 11, _ been stretched in intensive care and over the page, page 11, the - been stretched in intensive care and over the page, page 11, the cobra i over the page, page 11, the cobra and cabinet — over the page, page 11, the cobra and cabinet meeting, _ over the page, page 11, the cobra and cabinet meeting, 23rd, - over the page, page 11, the cobra and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. l over the page, page 11, the cobra and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it over the page, page 11, the cobra . and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious— and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious and — and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious and you _ and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious and you have _ and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious and you have described - and cabinet meeting, 23rd, 24. it is obvious and you have described to i obvious and you have described to the inquiry— obvious and you have described to the inquiry how— obvious and you have described to the inquiry how cobra _ obvious and you have described to the inquiry how cobra and - obvious and you have described to the inquiry how cobra and the - obvious and you have described to l the inquiry how cobra and the prime minister— the inquiry how cobra and the prime minister rationalise _ the inquiry how cobra and the prime minister rationalise that _ the inquiry how cobra and the prime minister rationalise that the - the inquiry how cobra and the prime minister rationalise that the nhs - minister rationalise that the nhs woutd _ minister rationalise that the nhs would be — minister rationalise that the nhs would be overwhelmed - minister rationalise that the nhs would be overwhelmed at - minister rationalise that the nhs would be overwhelmed at somel minister rationalise that the nhs - would be overwhelmed at some point, inevitably, _ would be overwhelmed at some point, inevitably, the — would be overwhelmed at some point, inevitably, the nhs— would be overwhelmed at some point, inevitably, the nhs would _ would be overwhelmed at some point, inevitably, the nhs would collapse - inevitably, the nhs would collapse because _ inevitably, the nhs would collapse because of— inevitably, the nhs would collapse because of the _ inevitably, the nhs would collapse because of the sheer— inevitably, the nhs would collapse because of the sheer number- inevitably, the nhs would collapse because of the sheer number of. because of the sheer number of deaths — because of the sheer number of deaths. , ., , , ., deaths. yes. not because of the sheer number _ deaths. yes. not because of the sheer number of _ deaths. yes. not because of the sheer number of deaths, - deaths. yes. not because of the. sheer number of deaths, because deaths. yes. not because of the - sheer number of deaths, because of the cases. it sheer number of deaths, because of the cases. .., , , . sheer number of deaths, because of the cases. , , ., ., , , the cases. it cases and deaths but the cases. it cases and deaths but the oint the cases. it cases and deaths but the point is _ the cases. it cases and deaths but the point is that _ the cases. it cases and deaths but the point is that the _ the cases. it cases and deaths but the point is that the nhs - the cases. it cases and deaths but the point is that the nhs wouldn'tj the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive _ the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive because _ the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive because of— the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive because of the _ the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive because of the nature - the point is that the nhs wouldn't survive because of the nature andj survive because of the nature and exponential— survive because of the nature and exponential growth. _ survive because of the nature and exponential growth. to _ survive because of the nature and exponential growth. to what - survive because of the nature and l exponential growth. to what extent did the _ exponential growth. to what extent did the government _ exponential growth. to what extent did the government collectively - exponential growth. to what extentl did the government collectively have you as _ did the government collectively have you as to— did the government collectively have you as to when — did the government collectively have you as to when that _ did the government collectively have you as to when that point _ did the government collectively have you as to when that point would - did the government collectively have you as to when that point would be i you as to when that point would be likety— you as to when that point would be tii likely to arise? i put it that way because you have _ likely to arise? i put it that way because you have explained - likely to arise? i put it that way. because you have explained that likely to arise? i put it that way- because you have explained that the final analysis — because you have explained that the final analysis is _ because you have explained that the final analysis is based _ because you have explained that the final analysis is based upon - because you have explained that the final analysis is based upon the - final analysis is based upon the correct — final analysis is based upon the correct understanding - final analysis is based upon the correct understanding that - final analysis is based upon the correct understanding that an l correct understanding that an exponentiat_ correct understanding that an exponential growth— correct understanding that an exponential growth would - correct understanding that anl exponential growth would only correct understanding that an - exponential growth would only ever end in— exponential growth would only ever end in disaster— exponential growth would only ever end in disasterfor_ exponential growth would only ever end in disaster for the _ exponential growth would only ever end in disaster for the nhs. - exponential growth would only ever end in disaster for the nhs. could i end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and _ end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my— end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my abte _ end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my able to _ end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my able to go— end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my able to go any- end in disasterforthe nhs. could you and my able to go any further| end in disaster for the nhs. could . you and my able to go any further in terms— you and my able to go any further in terms of— you and my able to go any further in terms of understanding _ you and my able to go any further in terms of understanding when - you and my able to go any further in terms of understanding when that l you and my able to go any further in. terms of understanding when that was likely terms of understanding when that was tii going up the reasonable worst—case scenario, notwithstanding the decisions made on the 15th and the 20th. what i would look like, what that would mean would be people going without treatment and i was absolutely determined that that would not happen. that came back to the nimbus discussion and other discussions around that. and so we took a huge amount of action and i thought that simon stephens, lord stevens, describe that while in his evidence. i push him to expand both the physical capacity and expand effective staffing because one of the challenges that has been put at this stage and it is there in the written evidence of the inquiry, that we didn't know exactly how many beds the nhs had. what matters is not a physical bed, it is a staffed bed and that is flexible. in some cases, we took the staff ratio in intensive care, normally one—to—one, up intensive care, normally one—to—one, up to six patients to one nurse. so it is flexible because of the nhs, said in your question, where the nhs have survived? of course nhs would have survived? of course nhs would have survived. it would have done its level best and is amazing and adaptable institution. but it would not have been able to provide care to everybody and therefore the number of people who died would have gone up even more than it would have donejust because of gone up even more than it would have done just because of the virus. and done just because of the virus. and therefore, done just because of the virus. and therefore. is _ done just because of the virus. and therefore, is this _ done just because of the virus. and therefore, is this a fair summary. notwithstanding _ therefore, is this a fair summary. notwithstanding the _ therefore, is this a fair summary. notwithstanding the remarkable i notwithstanding the remarkable abitity _ notwithstanding the remarkable ability of — notwithstanding the remarkable ability of the _ notwithstanding the remarkable ability of the nhs _ notwithstanding the remarkable ability of the nhs to _ notwithstanding the remarkable ability of the nhs to cope, - ability of the nhs to cope, notwithstanding _ ability of the nhs to cope, notwithstanding the - ability of the nhs to cope, i notwithstanding the flexibility ability of the nhs to cope, - notwithstanding the flexibility that there may— notwithstanding the flexibility that there may have _ notwithstanding the flexibility that there may have been— notwithstanding the flexibility that there may have been a _ notwithstanding the flexibility that there may have been a system - notwithstanding the flexibility that there may have been a system for| notwithstanding the flexibility that i there may have been a system for an increase _ there may have been a system for an increase in— there may have been a system for an increase in staff _ there may have been a system for an increase in staff beds _ there may have been a system for an increase in staff beds in _ there may have been a system for an increase in staff beds in itu - there may have been a system for an increase in staff beds in itu beds - increase in staff beds in itu beds and surge — increase in staff beds in itu beds and surge capacity. _ increase in staff beds in itu beds i and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he _ and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he could — and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he could not _ and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he could not know— and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he could not know and - and surge capacity. notwithstanding that he could not know and you - and surge capacity. notwithstanding i that he could not know and you would never _ that he could not know and you would never know _ that he could not know and you would never know at — that he could not know and you would never know at what _ that he could not know and you would never know at what point _ that he could not know and you would never know at what point collapse - never know at what point collapse woutd _ never know at what point collapse would come _ never know at what point collapse would come it— never know at what point collapse would come. it was _ never know at what point collapse would come. it was a _ never know at what point collapse would come. it was a risk- never know at what point collapse would come. it was a risk that - never know at what point collapse would come. it was a risk that no| would come. it was a risk that no secretary— would come. it was a risk that no secretary of _ would come. it was a risk that no secretary of state, _ would come. it was a risk that no secretary of state, responsible . would come. it was a risk that nol secretary of state, responsible for public _ secretary of state, responsible for public health. _ secretary of state, responsible for public health, could _ secretary of state, responsible for public health, could countenance. | public health, could countenance. yes. _ public health, could countenance. yes. that — public health, could countenance. yes. that is— public health, could countenance. yes. that is a _ public health, could countenance. yes, that is a good _ public health, could countenance. yes, that is a good summary. - public health, could countenance. yes, that is a good summary. some other issues — yes, that is a good summary. some other issues please, _ yes, that is a good summary. some other issues please, mr _ yes, that is a good summary. some other issues please, mr hancock. i other issues please, mr hancock. pubtic— other issues please, mr hancock. public health _ other issues please, mr hancock. public health england, _ other issues please, mr hancock. public health england, the - other issues please, mr hancock. | public health england, the inquiry has understood, _ public health england, the inquiry has understood, that _ public health england, the inquiry has understood, that public- public health england, the inquiryl has understood, that public health engtand. _ has understood, that public health engtand. what— has understood, that public health england, what was _ has understood, that public health england, what was disbanded - has understood, that public health england, what was disbanded in. has understood, that public healthl england, what was disbanded in the middle _ england, what was disbanded in the middle of— england, what was disbanded in the middle of the — england, what was disbanded in the middle of the pandemic— england, what was disbanded in the middle of the pandemic to - england, what was disbanded in the middle of the pandemic to use - england, what was disbanded in the middle of the pandemic to use one i england, what was disbanded in the i middle of the pandemic to use one of the witness _ middle of the pandemic to use one of the witness statements, _ middle of the pandemic to use one of the witness statements, did - middle of the pandemic to use one of the witness statements, did you - middle of the pandemic to use one ofj the witness statements, did you have concerns _ the witness statements, did you have concerns about — the witness statements, did you have concerns about the _ the witness statements, did you have concerns about the ability _ the witness statements, did you have concerns about the ability of - the witness statements, did you have concerns about the ability of public. concerns about the ability of public health _ concerns about the ability of public health engtand _ concerns about the ability of public health england in— concerns about the ability of public health england in february, - concerns about the ability of public| health england in february, march, aprit. _ health england in february, march, aprit. to _ health england in february, march, april. to respond _ health england in february, march, april, to respond to— health england in february, march, april, to respond to the _ health england in february, march, april, to respond to the pandemic? j april, to respond to the pandemic? and if— april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so. _ april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so. was— april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that _ april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that i _ april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that i can— april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that i can dip - april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that i can dip a - april, to respond to the pandemic? and if so, was that i can dip a tree i and if so, was that i can dip a tree -- a konta— and if so, was that i can dip a tree —— a konta beating _ and if so, was that i can dip a tree —— a konta beating factor- and if so, was that i can dip a tree —— a konta beating factor to - and if so, was that i can dip a tree —— a konta beating factor to the i —— a konta beating factor to the disbandm — -- a konta beating factor to the disband- - -_ -- a konta beating factor to the disband... , , . ., disband... yes i did. public health encland disband... yes i did. public health england did _ disband... yes i did. public health england did an _ disband... yes i did. public health england did an absolute _ disband... yes i did. public health england did an absolute superb i disband... yes i did. public health | england did an absolute superb job especially on the scientific research and the best early example was developing the test in an extremely short period of time and in its lab work and its analysis, it was first rate. there was one point in their pandemic by miller sequencing half of the genomes of covid in the world. however, my view on this cause very closely, which its capacity to scale was simply not there. it hadn't had the experience of scaling. this isn't a criticism of scaling. this isn't a criticism of any individual, it had a contract tracing system that was based on top—quality, highly trained experts whereas what we needed was much more like a call centre henry ford style high—volume contract tracing system which we eventually built. it was deeply frustrating that there was and and enthusiasm on that and i had to get involved in sorting that out. ijust to get involved in sorting that out. i just pause you to get involved in sorting that out. ijust pause you there, you refer in your— ijust pause you there, you refer in your statement _ ijust pause you there, you refer in your statement to _ ijust pause you there, you refer in your statement to a _ ijust pause you there, you refer in your statement to a particular- your statement to a particular problem _ your statement to a particular roblem. , ., , your statement to a particular roblem. , .,, .,, ., problem. the problem was that it wouldn't engage _ problem. the problem was that it wouldn't engage any _ problem. the problem was that it wouldn't engage any private - wouldn't engage any private commercial entity. there were a couple, which i mention in my statement, which i asked them to contact because they came to me. i wanted them to support any private entity that could support testing. what i wanted was testing capacity. and there was a view which was that there is across the country, a large number of very small university or hospital—based and a couple of p —based labs and we should use these. but they were not scalable models, they were small and they were essentially structured the science, and my concerned with phe were really about its inability to scale. the second was about a longer term change that i thought was needed. and this was the problem of phe having two goals. the and this was the problem of phe having two goals.— having two goals. the health improvement? _ having two goals. the health improvement? yes, - having two goals. the health improvement? yes, improve having two goals. the health - improvement? yes, improve and's health with — improvement? yes, improve and's health with respect _ improvement? yes, improve and's health with respect to _ health with respect to non—communicable diseases, obesity for example. as well as responsible for example. as well as responsible for communicable diseases. even the normal ones that happen all the time, and preparation for very rare but extremely high consequence communicable diseases. i have a background at the bank of england and it is akin to financial stability, most of the time, there is a problem with financial stability but when there is a problem, you actually need an institution that is going to lead a response. and we have one, we have the bank of england. we did not have an equivalent but now we do. you mention the _ an equivalent but now we do. you mention the systemic change, if you like that— mention the systemic change, if you like that the — mention the systemic change, if you like that the new _ mention the systemic change, if you like that the new body _ mention the systemic change, if you like that the new body focuses - mention the systemic change, if you like that the new body focuses on i like that the new body focuses on health _ like that the new body focuses on health prevention. _ like that the new body focuses on health prevention. that— like that the new body focuses on health prevention. that is- like that the new body focuses on health prevention. that is plainlyl health prevention. that is plainly understood _ health prevention. that is plainly understood. was— health prevention. that is plainly understood. was it _ health prevention. that is plainly understood. was it truly - health prevention. that is plainly understood. was it truly the - health prevention. that is plainly| understood. was it truly the fault of pubtic— understood. was it truly the fault of public health _ understood. was it truly the fault of public health england - understood. was it truly the fault of public health england that - understood. was it truly the fault of public health england that it . understood. was it truly the fault . of public health england that it was unable _ of public health england that it was unable to— of public health england that it was unable to scale _ of public health england that it was unable to scale up— of public health england that it was unable to scale up the _ of public health england that it was unable to scale up the testing - unable to scale up the testing process? _ unable to scale up the testing process? wasn't— unable to scale up the testing process? wasn't that - unable to scale up the testing process? wasn't that a - unable to scale up the testing i process? wasn't that a reflection of historical— process? wasn't that a reflection of historical institutional— process? wasn't that a reflection of historical institutional failings, i historical institutional failings, there — historical institutional failings, there just _ historical institutional failings, there just wasn't _ historical institutional failings, there just wasn't a _ historical institutional failings, there just wasn't a system i historical institutional failings, there just wasn't a system in i historical institutional failings, i there just wasn't a system in place and nobody. — there just wasn't a system in place and nobody. let— there just wasn't a system in place and nobody, let alone _ there just wasn't a system in place and nobody, let alone phe - there just wasn't a system in place and nobody, let alone phe could . there just wasn't a system in place i and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled _ and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up— and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up in— and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up injanuary_ and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up in january even _ and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up injanuary even if— and nobody, let alone phe could have scaled up injanuary even if they- scaled up injanuary even if they had been — scaled up injanuary even if they had been minded _ scaled up injanuary even if they had been minded to _ scaled up injanuary even if they had been minded to do - scaled up injanuary even if they had been minded to do so? i scaled up injanuary even if they had been minded to do so? dol scaled up injanuary even if they. had been minded to do so? do you think— had been minded to do so? do you think it _ had been minded to do so? do you think it has — had been minded to do so? do you think it has been _ had been minded to do so? do you think it has been open _ had been minded to do so? do you think it has been open to— had been minded to do so? do you think it has been open to them i had been minded to do so? do you think it has been open to them to. think it has been open to them to take those — think it has been open to them to take those steps _ think it has been open to them to take those steps but _ think it has been open to them to take those steps but they - think it has been open to them to take those steps but they failed l think it has been open to them toi take those steps but they failed to do so? _ take those steps but they failed to do so? [_ take those steps but they failed to do so? ., �* ., ., take those steps but they failed to doso? .,�* ., .,, ,., do so? i don't want to prescribe lame. it would _ do so? i don't want to prescribe lame. it would have _ do so? i don't want to prescribe lame. it would have been i do so? i don't want to prescribe| lame. it would have been better do so? i don't want to prescribe i lame. it would have been better for lame. it would have been betterfor the uk response had those companies that were experienced in diagnostics, albeit relatively small scale, especially compared to some countries like germany, had been given the full hearted support early on, from mid—march, we did manage to develop this sort of capacity. it was slower than it ought have been and a vital lesson for the future, that we need a testing system ready to go. and i am worried that that is not there right now in case there is a pandemic. what happens if one of these diseases that we have read about in the last couple of weeks, influenza in northern china, becomes pandemic? we need to be able... my question now to the next secretary of state is how quickly can get to 100,000 tests? how quickly will we get a vaccine? d0 100,000 tests? how quickly will we get a vaccine?— 100,000 tests? how quickly will we aetavaccine? ., ,, ., ,, ., get a vaccine? do you happen to know for a fact whether _ get a vaccine? do you happen to know for a fact whether or _ get a vaccine? do you happen to know for a fact whether or not _ get a vaccine? do you happen to know for a fact whether or not the _ get a vaccine? do you happen to know for a fact whether or not the hugely i for a fact whether or not the hugely impressive — for a fact whether or not the hugely impressive and _ for a fact whether or not the hugely impressive and extremely - for a fact whether or not the hugely| impressive and extremely extensive testing _ impressive and extremely extensive testing system _ impressive and extremely extensive testing system that _ impressive and extremely extensive testing system that was _ impressive and extremely extensive testing system that was across i impressive and extremely extensive testing system that was across hasl testing system that was across has become _ testing system that was across has become degraded _ testing system that was across has become degraded since _ testing system that was across has become degraded since the - testing system that was across has become degraded since the end i testing system that was across has become degraded since the end of| testing system that was across has i become degraded since the end of the crisis or— become degraded since the end of the crisis or whether— become degraded since the end of the crisis or whether it _ become degraded since the end of the crisis or whether it is _ become degraded since the end of the crisis or whether it is still— become degraded since the end of the crisis or whether it is still in— crisis or whether it is still in place? _ crisis or whether it is still in place? iiti— crisis or whether it is still in . lace? . ., , crisis or whether it is still in lace? . ., , ., , crisis or whether it is still in lace? , , ,, place? of course it has been stepped down but you — place? of course it has been stepped down but you would _ place? of course it has been stepped down but you would want _ place? of course it has been stepped down but you would want to - place? of course it has been stepped down but you would want to step i place? of course it has been stepped i down but you would want to step sums it down. we built a capacity of almost1 million tests a day. you don't need that in normal times. what you need is the ability to put it back in place very rapidly. you said, i it back in place very rapidly. you said. i am _ it back in place very rapidly. you said, i am worried _ it back in place very rapidly. you said, i am worried that as there —— not there _ said, i am worried that as there —— not there right _ said, i am worried that as there —— not there right now, _ said, i am worried that as there —— not there right now, in— said, i am worried that as there —— not there right now, in case... i said, i am worried that as there —— not there right now, in case... doi not there right now, in case... do you know— not there right now, in case... do you know that— not there right now, in case... do you know that it _ not there right now, in case... do you know that it is _ not there right now, in case... do you know that it is now— not there right now, in case... do you know that it is now not - not there right now, in case... do you know that it is now not there i not there right now, in case... do i you know that it is now not there or are you _ you know that it is now not there or are you saying _ you know that it is now not there or are you saying it _ you know that it is now not there or are you saying it is _ you know that it is now not there or are you saying it is still— you know that it is now not there or are you saying it is still there, i are you saying it is still there, it's been— are you saying it is still there, it's been stepped _ are you saying it is still there, it's been stepped down- are you saying it is still there, i it's been stepped down reasonably but you've — it's been stepped down reasonably but you've got _ it's been stepped down reasonably but you've got concerns _ it's been stepped down reasonably but you've got concerns about i but you've got concerns about whether— but you've got concerns about whether it _ but you've got concerns about whether it can _ but you've got concerns about whether it can be _ but you've got concerns about whether it can be set - but you've got concerns about whether it can be set up? i but you've got concerns aboutl whether it can be set up? ”that but you've got concerns about whether it can be set up? that is what i'm concerned _ whether it can be set up? that is what i'm concerned about. - whether it can be set up? that is what i'm concerned about. for i what i'm concerned about. for instance, recently, one of the major labs was put on the market. i thought that it might think it would be better to ready to go. we spent £50 billion a year on physical defence and we spend less than half a year on oxo. we how security failings have killed more civilians than any other external threat since the second world war and maybe even further back than that. and i think this is a spectacular imbalance in the amount of resources that we put into defence of this country against a terror threat, compared to health threat and i have got one particular axe to grind. i attended the national credit council. —— national security council. it shouldn'tjust be brought in when there is a health issue on the agenda because health security threats have demonstrated to be the biggest threat on the civilian population of this country. a previous witness observed that had this been_ a previous witness observed that had this been a _ a previous witness observed that had this been a threat _ a previous witness observed that had this been a threat to _ a previous witness observed that had this been a threat to national - this been a threat to national skirted — this been a threat to national skirted terms _ this been a threat to national skirted terms rather- this been a threat to national skirted terms rather then - this been a threat to national skirted terms rather then a l this been a threat to national . skirted terms rather then a risk this been a threat to national - skirted terms rather then a risk in public— skirted terms rather then a risk in public health _ skirted terms rather then a risk in public health terms, _ skirted terms rather then a risk in public health terms, that - skirted terms rather then a risk in public health terms, that the - public health terms, that the government. _ public health terms, that the government, it _ public health terms, that the government, it would - public health terms, that the government, it would have . public health terms, that the . government, it would have had different— government, it would have had different structures _ government, it would have had different structures in - government, it would have had different structures in place - government, it would have had| different structures in place but government, it would have had . different structures in place but it may have — different structures in place but it may have responded _ different structures in place but it may have responded significantly| may have responded significantly differentty~ — may have responded significantly differentl . , ., ., ., differently. they would have had the same structures _ differently. they would have had the same structures in _ differently. they would have had the same structures in place, _ differently. they would have had the same structures in place, it - differently. they would have had the same structures in place, it would i same structures in place, it would have used them. i’m same structures in place, it would have used them.— have used them. i'm going to ask ou, have used them. i'm going to ask you. does — have used them. i'm going to ask you. does not _ have used them. i'm going to ask you. does not go _ have used them. i'm going to ask you, does not go any _ have used them. i'm going to ask you, does not go any further. - have used them. i'm going to ask you, does not go any further. we | you, does not go any further. we understand — you, does not go any further. we understand the _ you, does not go any further. we understand the point _ you, does not go any further. we understand the point you - you, does not go any further. we understand the point you make . you, does not go any further. we . understand the point you make and you have _ understand the point you make and you have made _ understand the point you make and you have made this— understand the point you make and you have made this point— understand the point you make and you have made this point in- understand the point you make and you have made this point in your. you have made this point in your witness — you have made this point in your witness statement _ you have made this point in your witness statement but _ you have made this point in your witness statement but we - you have made this point in your- witness statement but we understand the point _ witness statement but we understand the point about— witness statement but we understand the point about different _ witness statement but we understand the point about different national- the point about different national security— the point about different national security and _ the point about different national security and threats _ the point about different national security and threats and - the point about different national security and threats and risks. i the point about different national security and threats and risks. [fl the point about different national| security and threats and risks. ifi security and threats and risks. if i had security and threats and risks. had gone in mid january to the cabinet secretary, setting out a 50-50 cabinet secretary, setting out a 50—50 chance of a terrorist threat that might kill half a million people, i think the prime minister would have chaired the cobra normally. don't you? i would have chaired the cobra normally. don't you?- would have chaired the cobra normally. don't you? i asked the ruestions normally. don't you? i asked the questions here, _ normally. don't you? i asked the questions here, mr _ normally. don't you? i asked the questions here, mr hancock. - normally. don't you? i asked the i questions here, mr hancock. there obviously— questions here, mr hancock. there obviously forcing _ questions here, mr hancock. there obviously forcing annual _ questions here, mr hancock. therel obviously forcing annual observation but can— obviously forcing annual observation but can i_ obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask — obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you. _ obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you, can _ obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you, can —— _ obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you, can —— to- obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you, can —— to move i obviously forcing annual observation but can i ask you, can —— to move it| but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? _ but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? can— but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? can you _ but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? can you go _ but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? can you go further - but can i ask you, can —— to move it forward? can you go further and - but can i ask you, can —— to move it| forward? can you go further and say that over— forward? can you go further and say that over the — forward? can you go further and say that over the course _ forward? can you go further and say that over the course of _ forward? can you go further and say that over the course of perhaps - forward? can you go further and say that over the course of perhaps thei that over the course of perhaps the following _ that over the course of perhaps the following four — that over the course of perhaps the following four weeks, _ that over the course of perhaps the following four weeks, there - that over the course of perhaps the following four weeks, there wouldl following four weeks, there would have treen— following four weeks, there would have been a — following four weeks, there would have been a material— following four weeks, there would have been a material difference i following four weeks, there would have been a material difference in the whole — have been a material difference in the whole system _ have been a material difference in the whole system response? - have been a material difference in the whole system response? yes. i didn't specifically _ the whole system response? yes. i didn't specifically mean _ the whole system response? yes. i didn't specifically mean the - the whole system response? yes. i didn't specifically mean the very . didn't specifically mean the very first one. it was reasonable very early on, that would have been an mod list, totally reasonable at first. when it became clear this was a 50-50 first. when it became clear this was a 50—50 fight, giving the reasonable worst case scenario, then the whole national security apparatus that exists should have been brought to bear on this crisis but instead what happened was a special adviser at number ten decided to make all the decisions out of his office. you have overly — decisions out of his office. you have overly focused _ decisions out of his office. you have overly focused on the structure and the _ have overly focused on the structure and the committee _ have overly focused on the structure and the committee structure. - have overly focused on the structure and the committee structure. my. have overly focused on the structure. and the committee structure. my lady woutd _ and the committee structure. my lady would be _ and the committee structure. my lady would be much — and the committee structure. my lady would be much more _ and the committee structure. my lady would be much more assisted - and the committee structure. my lady would be much more assisted by- would be much more assisted by understanding, _ would be much more assisted by understanding, if— would be much more assisted by understanding, if there - would be much more assisted by understanding, if there had - would be much more assisted byj understanding, if there had been would be much more assisted by. understanding, if there had been a national— understanding, if there had been a national security— understanding, if there had been a national security threat, _ understanding, if there had been a national security threat, that's - understanding, if there had been a national security threat, that's not| national security threat, that's not 'ust national security threat, that's not just what— national security threat, that's not just what -- — national security threat, that's not just what —— would _ national security threat, that's not just what —— would there - national security threat, that's not just what —— would there have - national security threat, that's not i just what —— would there have been changes, _ just what —— would there have been changes, trut— just what —— would there have been changes, but would _ just what —— would there have been changes, but would there _ just what —— would there have been changes, but would there have - just what —— would there have beeni changes, but would there have been just what —— would there have been. changes, but would there have been a material _ changes, but would there have been a material response _ changes, but would there have been a material response in _ changes, but would there have been a material response in the _ changes, but would there have been a material response in the way- changes, but would there have been a material response in the way the - material response in the way the government— material response in the way the government responded - material response in the way thei government responded practically material response in the way the - government responded practically in terms _ government responded practically in terms of— government responded practically in terms of the — government responded practically in terms of the measures, _ government responded practically in terms of the measures, the - government responded practically in terms of the measures, the actions, the steps. _ terms of the measures, the actions, the steps. it— terms of the measures, the actions, the steps. it might— terms of the measures, the actions, the steps, it might thereafter- terms of the measures, the actions, the steps, it might thereafter take? | the steps, it might thereafter take? yes. ., ~' , ., the steps, it might thereafter take? yes. . «r i. ., yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test coal of yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test goal of april. _ yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test goal of april. i _ yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test goal of april. i don't _ yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test goal of april. i don't wish - yes. thank you. the hundred thousand test goal of april. i don't wish to - test goal of april. i don't wish to linger— test goal of april. i don't wish to linger on — test goal of april. i don't wish to linger on this— test goal of april. i don't wish to linger on this subject. _ test goal of april. i don't wish to linger on this subject. it - test goal of april. i don't wish to linger on this subject. it is- linger on this subject. it is self—evident _ linger on this subject. it is self—evident that- linger on this subject. it is self—evident that it - linger on this subject. it is self—evident that it was i linger on this subject. it is self—evident that it was a i linger on this subject. it is- self—evident that it was a very considerable _ self—evident that it was a very considerable and _ self—evident that it was a very considerable and impressive i self—evident that it was a very. considerable and impressive feat self—evident that it was a very- considerable and impressive feat to ramp— considerable and impressive feat to ramp up— considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the — considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the testing _ considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the testing so _ considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the testing so that - considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the testing so that we - considerable and impressive feat to ramp up the testing so that we can| ramp up the testing so that we can understand — ramp up the testing so that we can understand what— ramp up the testing so that we can understand what the _ ramp up the testing so that we can understand what the debate - ramp up the testing so that we can understand what the debate is - ramp up the testing so that we cani understand what the debate is from 10,000 _ understand what the debate is from 10,000 a _ understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day— understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to _ understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to the _ understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to the end _ understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to the end of- understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to the end of —— - understand what the debate is from 10,000 a day to the end of —— at. understand what the debate is froml 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of— 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march— 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march to— 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march to 100,000 _ 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march to 100,000 a - 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march to 100,000 a day- 10,000 a day to the end of —— at the end of march to 100,000 a day at i 10,000 a day to the end of —— at thei end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of— end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of aprit — end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of aprit the _ end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of april. the inquiry— end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of april. the inquiry has- end of march to 100,000 a day at the end of april. the inquiry has seen- end of april. the inquiry has seen an evidence — end of april. the inquiry has seen an evidence of— end of april. the inquiry has seen an evidence of what _ end of april. the inquiry has seen an evidence of what saps - end of april. the inquiry has seen an evidence of what saps and - end of april. the inquiry has seen- an evidence of what saps and private communications, _ an evidence of what saps and private communications, criticism _ an evidence of what saps and private communications, criticism of- an evidence of what saps and private communications, criticism of you - an evidence of what saps and private communications, criticism of you in. communications, criticism of you in relation _ communications, criticism of you in relation to— communications, criticism of you in relation to that _ communications, criticism of you in relation to that state. _ communications, criticism of you in relation to that state. i— communications, criticism of you in relation to that state. i would - communications, criticism of you in relation to that state. i would like i relation to that state. i would like to suggest— relation to that state. i would like to suggest to _ relation to that state. i would like to suggest to you _ relation to that state. i would like to suggest to you that _ relation to that state. i would like to suggest to you that there - relation to that state. i would like i to suggest to you that there doesn't appear— to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to _ to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to have _ to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to have been— to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to have been criticism - to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to have been criticism of- to suggest to you that there doesn't appear to have been criticism of thej appear to have been criticism of the result— appear to have been criticism of the result or— appear to have been criticism of the result or the — appear to have been criticism of the result or the ambition _ appear to have been criticism of the result or the ambition which - appear to have been criticism of the result or the ambition which as - appear to have been criticism of the result or the ambition which as i - result or the ambition which as i say. _ result or the ambition which as i say. appear— result or the ambition which as i say. appear to _ result or the ambition which as i say. appear to be _ result or the ambition which as i say, appear to be very— result or the ambition which as i i say, appear to be very impressive. but there — say, appear to be very impressive. but there was _ say, appear to be very impressive. but there was a _ say, appear to be very impressive. but there was a lack— say, appear to be very impressive. but there was a lack of— say, appear to be very impressive. l but there was a lack of coordination first, _ but there was a lack of coordination first, and _ but there was a lack of coordination first, and secondly, _ but there was a lack of coordination first, and secondly, i— but there was a lack of coordination first, and secondly, i worry- but there was a lack of coordination first, and secondly, i worry that- but there was a lack of coordination first, and secondly, i worry that byl first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing _ first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on— first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on the _ first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on the end _ first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on the end date, - first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on the end date, the - first, and secondly, i worry that by focusing on the end date, the end| first, and secondly, i worry that by. focusing on the end date, the end of april. _ focusing on the end date, the end of april. and _ focusing on the end date, the end of april. and try— focusing on the end date, the end of april. and by putting _ focusing on the end date, the end of april, and by pulling assistant- focusing on the end date, the end of april, and by pulling assistant was i april, and by pulling assistant was that focus, — april, and by pulling assistant was that focus, it _ april, and by pulling assistant was that focus, it may— april, and by pulling assistant was that focus, it may have _ april, and by pulling assistant was that focus, it may have taken - that focus, it may have taken necessary _ that focus, it may have taken necessary focus _ that focus, it may have taken necessary focus away - that focus, it may have taken necessary focus away from i that focus, it may have taken i necessary focus away from other areas, _ necessary focus away from other areas. for — necessary focus away from other areas. for which _ necessary focus away from other areas, for which testing - necessary focus away from other areas, for which testing was - necessary focus away from other areas, for which testing was no i necessary focus away from other. areas, for which testing was no less important — areas, for which testing was no less important do— areas, for which testing was no less important. do you _ areas, for which testing was no less important. do you understand - areas, for which testing was no less important. do you understand the i important. do you understand the point? _ important. do you understand the point? t— important. do you understand the oint? . ., , ., point? i have tried to understand this point- _ point? i have tried to understand this point- it _ point? i have tried to understand this point. it doesn't _ point? i have tried to understand this point. it doesn't have - point? i have tried to understand this point. it doesn't have a - this point. it doesn't have a logical basis.— this point. it doesn't have a logical basis. this point. it doesn't have a louical basis. ~ , , logical basis. we presume he will re'ect it. logical basis. we presume he will reject it. certainly. _ logical basis. we presume he will reject it. certainly. it— logical basis. we presume he will reject it. certainly. it is— logical basis. we presume he will reject it. certainly. it is very - reject it. certainly. it is very serious -- _ reject it. certainly. it is very serious -- it _ reject it. certainly. it is very serious -- it was _ reject it. certainly. it is very serious -- it was very - reject it. certainly. it is very. serious -- it was very serious because _ serious -- it was very serious because i _ serious -- it was very serious because i now _ serious -- it was very serious because i now know - serious -- it was very serious because i now know there - serious -- it was very serious i because i now know there were serious -- it was very serious - because i now know there were people working against me, which is appalling. is working against me, which is appalling-— working against me, which is a...allin, , ., , , working against me, which is aurallin, , ., ,, appalling. is that because you stay in our appalling. is that because you stay in your statement _ appalling. is that because you stay in your statement that _ appalling. is that because you stay in your statement that number - appalling. is that because you stay in your statement that number ten intervened — in your statement that number ten intervened in— in your statement that number ten intervened in the _ in your statement that number ten intervened in the ramping - in your statement that number ten intervened in the ramping up- in your statement that number ten intervened in the ramping up of. intervened in the ramping up of testing — intervened in the ramping up of testing capacity _ intervened in the ramping up of testing capacity which - intervened in the ramping up of testing capacity which made - intervened in the ramping up of testing capacity which made it. testing capacity which made it harder— testing capacity which made it harder to _ testing capacity which made it harder to achieve _ testing capacity which made it harder to achieve the - testing capacity which made it harder to achieve the goal? i testing capacity which made it. harder to achieve the goal? iiiir�*ell harder to achieve the goal? well what was described _ harder to achieve the goal? what was described to me as harder to achieve the goal?” what was described to me as the harder to achieve the goal?“ what was described to me as the long screwdriver which were relatively junior people are number ten trying to go to the testing programme at a level too far down, too low, and issue decked —— decked axe, was unhelpful at this period. a proper line of accountability would have been much more effective but that's wasn't quite what i meant. what i meant was a criticism that instead of going for 100,000 tests, there were other things tests could have been useful, is wrong and wrong in logic because we needed the tests. of course we also needed to work out of course we also needed to work out what we're going to use the tests for and that was essentially a clinical decision, but what i needed to do from when i took over response ready for testing the middle of march, march 17, was drive the system, galvanise the system, and announcing a target, even though i didn't know that we could hit it, which is unusual in government. normally people only do things they are pretty sure they can achieve. that was absolutely critical to driving the expansion of testing which was so necessary and the rest of the response. of course it is frustrating to me that in so doing, and in taking that approach, obviously some people were upset by it, it baffles me why people were against the expansion of testing. fin against the expansion of testing. on the against the expansion of testing. 0n the 1st of may, the cabinet the ist of may, the cabinet secretary— the 1st of may, the cabinet secretary what's _ the 1st of may, the cabinet secretary what's up - the 1st of may, the cabinet secretary what's up to - the 1st of may, the cabinet secretary what's up to you | the 1st of may, the cabinet i secretary what's up to you to the 1st of may, the cabinet - secretary what's up to you to say, well done. _ secretary what's up to you to say, well done. you — secretary what's up to you to say, well done. you respond, - secretary what's up to you to say, j well done. you respond, although secretary what's up to you to say, i well done. you respond, although it looks— well done. you respond, although it looks like?. — well done. you respond, although it looks like?. it — well done. you respond, although it looks like?, it was _ well done. you respond, although it looks like?, it was a _ well done. you respond, although it looks like?, it was a three - well done. you respond, although it looks like?, it was a three case - looks like?, it was a three case emoii~ — looks like?, it was a three case emoii~ you _ looks like?, it was a three case emoji. you also— looks like?, it was a three case emoji. you also appear- looks like?, it was a three case emoji. you also appear to - looks like?, it was a three case emoji. you also appear to be i emoji. you also appear to be accepting _ emoji. you also appear to be accepting his _ emoji. you also appear to be accepting his observation... i emoji. you also appear to be - accepting his observation... this was how we _ accepting his observation... this was how we went _ accepting his observation... was how we went about a new innovation which was test the people did at home, on which there was work in the department, the permanent secretary... in in the department, the permanent secretary- - -— secretary... in the interest of time, secretary... in the interest of time. can _ secretary... in the interest of time. can i — secretary... in the interest of time, can i ask _ secretary... in the interest of time, can i ask you, - secretary... in the interest of time, can i ask you, and - secretary... in the interest of time, can i ask you, and i'ml secretary... in the interest of- time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to— time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be— time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be fair— time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be fair to— time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be fair to you, _ time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be fair to you, do - time, can i ask you, and i'm doing this to be fair to you, do you - this to be fair to you, do you accept — this to be fair to you, do you accept or— this to be fair to you, do you accept or reject _ this to be fair to you, do you accept or reject the - this to be fair to you, do you i accept or reject the suggestion this to be fair to you, do you - accept or reject the suggestion of creative _ accept or reject the suggestion of creative accountant? _ accept or reject the suggestion of creative accountant? [— accept or reject the suggestion of creative accountant?— accept or reject the suggestion of creative accountant? i re'ect it and we hit that — creative accountant? i re'ect it and we hit that target. _ creative accountant? i re'ect it and we hit that target. care _ creative accountant? i reject it and we hit that target. care homes. i creative accountant? i reject it and l we hit that target. care homes. the detail of the — we hit that target. care homes. the detail of the care _ we hit that target. care homes. the detail of the care sector _ we hit that target. care homes. the detail of the care sector is - we hit that target. care homes. the detail of the care sector is for - detail of the care sector is for another— detail of the care sector is for another module. _ detail of the care sector is for another module. but - detail of the care sector is for another module. but i- detail of the care sector is for. another module. but i consider detail of the care sector is for- another module. but i consider about —— a considerable _ another module. but i consider about —— a considerable amount— another module. but i consider about —— a considerable amount of- another module. but i consider about| —— a considerable amount of evidence has been _ —— a considerable amount of evidence has been given— —— a considerable amount of evidence has been given about _ —— a considerable amount of evidence has been given about the _ —— a considerable amount of evidence has been given about the centre - —— a considerable amount of evidence has been given about the centre of. has been given about the centre of government's— has been given about the centre of government's understanding - has been given about the centre of government's understanding of. has been given about the centre of. government's understanding of what the position— government's understanding of what the position was, _ government's understanding of what the position was, firstly— government's understanding of what the position was, firstly in _ the position was, firstly in relation _ the position was, firstly in relation to— the position was, firstly in relation to the _ the position was, firstly in relation to the discharge i the position was, firstly inl relation to the discharge of patients— relation to the discharge of patients in— relation to the discharge of patients in hospital- relation to the discharge of patients in hospital to- relation to the discharge of patients in hospital to the. relation to the discharge of. patients in hospital to the care sector— patients in hospital to the care sector and _ patients in hospital to the care sector and secondly, _ patients in hospital to the care sector and secondly, the - patients in hospital to the carei sector and secondly, the extent patients in hospital to the care - sector and secondly, the extent of the testing — sector and secondly, the extent of the testing that _ sector and secondly, the extent of the testing that was _ sector and secondly, the extent of the testing that was available, - sector and secondly, the extent of| the testing that was available, both of patients— the testing that was available, both of patients and _ the testing that was available, both of patients and the _ the testing that was available, both of patients and the staff _ the testing that was available, both of patients and the staff in - the testing that was available, both of patients and the staff in the - of patients and the staff in the care _ of patients and the staff in the care sector— of patients and the staff in the care sector thereafter- of patients and the staff in the care sector thereafter and - of patients and the staff in the care sector thereafter and at i of patients and the staff in the care sector thereafter and at aj care sector thereafter and at a later— care sector thereafter and at a tater stage~ _ care sector thereafter and at a later stage. and _ care sector thereafter and at a later stage. and therefore, i. care sector thereafter and at a - later stage. and therefore, i need to ask— later stage. and therefore, i need to ask you — later stage. and therefore, i need to ask you briefly, _ later stage. and therefore, i need to ask you briefly, what _ later stage. and therefore, i need to ask you briefly, what your- to ask you briefly, what your reaction _ to ask you briefly, what your reaction is? _ to ask you briefly, what your reaction is? the _ to ask you briefly, what your reaction is? the evidence i to ask you briefly, what yourl reaction is? the evidence has to ask you briefly, what your- reaction is? the evidence has been doing _ reaction is? the evidence has been doing to _ reaction is? the evidence has been doing to this — reaction is? the evidence has been doing to this effect _ reaction is? the evidence has been doing to this effect —— _ reaction is? the evidence has been doing to this effect —— given - reaction is? the evidence has been doing to this effect —— given to - doing to this effect —— given to this effect, _ doing to this effect —— given to this effect, the _ doing to this effect —— given to this effect, the government i doing to this effect —— given to - this effect, the government starting point is _ this effect, the government starting point is that — this effect, the government starting point is that local _ this effect, the government starting point is that local authorities - point is that local authorities manage _ point is that local authorities manage and _ point is that local authorities manage and deal— point is that local authorities manage and deal in- point is that local authorities manage and deal in risks - point is that local authorities manage and deal in risks in. point is that local authorities - manage and deal in risks in adult social— manage and deal in risks in adult social care — manage and deal in risks in adult social care. but— manage and deal in risks in adult social care. but it _ manage and deal in risks in adult social care. but it was _ manage and deal in risks in adult social care. but it was also - social care. but it was also recognised, _ social care. but it was also recognised, particularly. social care. but it was also recognised, particularly in| social care. but it was also - recognised, particularly in march, that the _ recognised, particularly in march, that the care _ recognised, particularly in march, that the care sector— recognised, particularly in march, that the care sector presented - that the care sector presented pa rticuta rty _ that the care sector presented particularly problems- that the care sector presented particularly problems among i particularly problems among abitities _ particularly problems among abilities. ., particularly problems among abilities. . ., abilities. that was when we saw that older peeple — abilities. that was when we saw that older people were _ abilities. that was when we saw that older people were the _ abilities. that was when we saw that older people were the most - older people were the most vulnerable.— older people were the most vulnerable. ., ., ,, . . vulnerable. you open a specific meetint vulnerable. you open a specific meeting on _ vulnerable. you open a specific meeting on this _ vulnerable. you open a specific meeting on this issue - vulnerable. you open a specific meeting on this issue on - vulnerable. you open a specific meeting on this issue on the i vulnerable. you open a specific. meeting on this issue on the 6th vulnerable. you open a specific- meeting on this issue on the 6th of march _ meeting on this issue on the 6th of march and — meeting on this issue on the 6th of march and referred _ meeting on this issue on the 6th of march and referred to _ meeting on this issue on the 6th of march and referred to the - meeting on this issue on the 6th of march and referred to the higher. march and referred to the higher risks— march and referred to the higher risks in— march and referred to the higher risks in the — march and referred to the higher risks in the sector. _ march and referred to the higher risks in the sector. 0n— march and referred to the higher risks in the sector. 0n the - march and referred to the higher risks in the sector. 0n the 17th i march and referred to the higher| risks in the sector. 0n the 17th of march, _ risks in the sector. 0n the 17th of march, the — risks in the sector. 0n the 17th of march, the government- risks in the sector. 0n the 17th of i march, the government announced, risks in the sector. 0n the 17th of - march, the government announced, nhs engtand _ march, the government announced, nhs engtand issued _ march, the government announced, nhs engtand issued a — march, the government announced, nhs england issued a letter, _ march, the government announced, nhs england issued a letter, as _ march, the government announced, nhs england issued a letter, as you _ march, the government announced, nhs england issued a letter, as you will- england issued a letter, as you will recall. _ england issued a letter, as you will recall, requesting _ england issued a letter, as you will recall, requesting all— england issued a letter, as you will recall, requesting all parts - england issued a letter, as you will recall, requesting all parts of- england issued a letter, as you will recall, requesting all parts of the i recall, requesting all parts of the nhs to— recall, requesting all parts of the nhs to free — recall, requesting all parts of the nhs to free up— recall, requesting all parts of the nhs to free up maximum - recall, requesting all parts of the i nhs to free up maximum inpatient recall, requesting all parts of the - nhs to free up maximum inpatient and critical— nhs to free up maximum inpatient and critical care _ nhs to free up maximum inpatient and critical care capacity— nhs to free up maximum inpatient and critical care capacity and _ nhs to free up maximum inpatient and critical care capacity and the _ critical care capacity and the government— critical care capacity and the government issued - critical care capacity and the government issued its- critical care capacity and the . government issued its hospital discharge _ government issued its hospital discharge requirements - government issued its hospital discharge requirements on - government issued its hospital discharge requirements on the j government issued its hospital- discharge requirements on the 19th of march _ discharge requirements on the 19th of march and _ discharge requirements on the 19th of march. and thereafter, - discharge requirements on the 19th of march. and thereafter, they - of march. and thereafter, they should — of march. and thereafter, they should began— of march. and thereafter, they should began to _ of march. and thereafter, they should began to be _ of march. and thereafter, they should began to be moved - of march. and thereafter, they i should began to be moved when of march. and thereafter, they - should began to be moved when they were medically— should began to be moved when they were medically able _ should began to be moved when they were medically able to _ should began to be moved when they were medically able to do _ should began to be moved when they were medically able to do so - should began to be moved when they were medically able to do so from . were medically able to do so from hospitals — were medically able to do so from hospitals that _ were medically able to do so from hospitals that care _ were medically able to do so from hospitals that care sector. - were medically able to do so from hospitals that care sector. can - were medically able to do so from | hospitals that care sector. can you please _ hospitals that care sector. can you please make — hospitals that care sector. can you please make absolutely— hospitals that care sector. can you please make absolutely plain - hospitals that care sector. can you i please make absolutely plain whether or not _ please make absolutely plain whether or not those _ please make absolutely plain whether or not those discharges _ please make absolutely plain whether or not those discharges to _ please make absolutely plain whether or not those discharges to care - or not those discharges to care homes — or not those discharges to care homes from _ or not those discharges to care homes from the _ or not those discharges to care homes from the 18th _ or not those discharges to care homes from the 18th of - or not those discharges to care homes from the 18th of marchi or not those discharges to care - homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent — homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent in _ homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent in any _ homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent in any way _ homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent in any way upon - homes from the 18th of march onwards were contingent in any way upon a - were contingent in any way upon a negative _ were contingent in any way upon a negative test _ were contingent in any way upon a negative test being _ were contingent in any way upon a negative test being available - were contingent in any way upon a negative test being available and i negative test being available and applied? — negative test being available and applied? in — negative test being available and a- lied? p negative test being available and aulied? p , negative test being available and aulied? a , l, applied? in march, they were not. were any assurances _ applied? in march, they were not. were any assurances given - applied? in march, they were not. were any assurances given by - applied? in march, they were not. were any assurances given by you| applied? in march, they were not. i were any assurances given by you or by others _ were any assurances given by you or by others that — were any assurances given by you or by others that testing _ were any assurances given by you or by others that testing would - were any assurances given by you or by others that testing would be - were any assurances given by you or by others that testing would be in i by others that testing would be in place _ by others that testing would be in place for— by others that testing would be in place for patients _ by others that testing would be in place for patients discharged - by others that testing would be in| place for patients discharged from that date — place for patients discharged from that date onwards? _ place for patients discharged from that date onwards? the _ place for patients discharged from that date onwards? the assurances that date onwards? the assurances that i that date onwards? the assurances thati ave that date onwards? the assurances that i gave were — that date onwards? the assurances that i gave were very _ that date onwards? the assurances that i gave were very slightly, - that date onwards? the assurances that i gave were very slightly, the l that i gave were very slightly, the policies that were in place at that time. is policies that were in place at that time. , ., . . , policies that were in place at that time. , ., ., .,, a ., policies that were in place at that time. , ., ., a ., time. is not a trap. as far as we can tell, — time. is not a trap. as far as we can tell, there _ time. is not a trap. as far as we can tell, there were _ time. is not a trap. as far as we can tell, there were no - time. is not a trap. as far as we i can tell, there were no assurances that anybody — can tell, there were no assurances that anybody would _ can tell, there were no assurances that anybody would be _ can tell, there were no assurances that anybody would be tested - can tell, there were no assurances| that anybody would be tested from the 18th _ that anybody would be tested from the 18th of — that anybody would be tested from the 18th of march _ that anybody would be tested from the 18th of march prior— that anybody would be tested from the 18th of march prior to - the 18th of march prior to discharge, _ the 18th of march prior to discharge, it's— the 18th of march prior to discharge, it's plain. - the18th of march prior to discharge, it's plain. [- the 18th of march prior to discharge, it's plain. i have been accused of _ discharge, it's plain. i have been accused of various _ discharge, it's plain. i have been accused of various things - discharge, it's plain. i have been accused of various things over i discharge, it's plain. i have been i accused of various things over this. will you bear with me? i'm going to come _ will you bear with me? i'm going to come to— will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this — will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this in _ will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this in the _ will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this in the moment - will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this in the moment but- will you bear with me? i'm going to come to this in the moment but i. come to this in the moment but i wish _ come to this in the moment but i wish you — come to this in the moment but i wish you to — come to this in the moment but i wish you to acknowledge - come to this in the moment but i wish you to acknowledge that - come to this in the moment but i| wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion— wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion that _ wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion that from _ wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion that from the - wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion that from the 18th - wish you to acknowledge that the suggestion that from the 18th of| suggestion that from the 18th of march, — suggestion that from the 18th of march, patients— suggestion that from the 18th of march, patients should - suggestion that from the 18th of march, patients should have - suggestion that from the 18th of i march, patients should have been tested _ march, patients should have been tested but — march, patients should have been tested but why— march, patients should have been tested but why not. _ march, patients should have been tested but why not. we _ march, patients should have been tested but why not.— march, patients should have been tested but why not. we didn't have enou:h tested but why not. we didn't have enough tests _ tested but why not. we didn't have enough tests. precisely. _ tested but why not. we didn't have enough tests. precisely. there - tested but why not. we didn't have enough tests. precisely. there is i tested but why not. we didn't have enough tests. precisely. there is a| enough tests. precisely. there is a document dated _ enough tests. precisely. there is a document dated 22nd _ enough tests. precisely. there is a document dated 22nd of _ enough tests. precisely. there is a document dated 22nd of april, - enough tests. precisely. there is a document dated 22nd of april, and enough tests. precisely. there is a l document dated 22nd of april, and it says oh— document dated 22nd of april, and it says on page — document dated 22nd of april, and it says on page fourm _ document dated 22nd of april, and it says on page four... negative - document dated 22nd of april, and it says on page four... negative tests, | says on page four... negative tests, you can _ says on page four... negative tests, you can see — says on page four... negative tests, you can see it's _ says on page four... negative tests, you can see it's their— says on page four... negative tests, you can see it's their sentence - you can see it's their sentence towards — you can see it's their sentence towards the _ you can see it's their sentence towards the bottom. - you can see it's their sentence towards the bottom. negativei you can see it's their sentence - towards the bottom. negative tests are hot— towards the bottom. negative tests are not required _ towards the bottom. negative tests are not required upon— towards the bottom. negative tests are not required upon transfers - towards the bottom. negative tests are not required upon transfers —— i are not required upon transfers —— pride _ are not required upon transfers —— pride is _ are not required upon transfers —— pride is transferred _ are not required upon transfers —— pride is transferred into _ are not required upon transfers —— pride is transferred into a - are not required upon transfers —— pride is transferred into a care - pride is transferred into a care home — pride is transferred into a care home on _ pride is transferred into a care home on page _ pride is transferred into a care home. on page five, - pride is transferred into a care home. on page five, there - pride is transferred into a care i home. on page five, there was guidance — home. on page five, there was guidance given— home. on page five, there was guidance given that _ home. on page five, there was guidance given that any - home. on page five, there was guidance given that any care i home. on page five, there was - guidance given that any care home resident _ guidance given that any care home resident presenting _ guidance given that any care home resident presenting with _ guidance given that any care home i resident presenting with symptoms, i have now— resident presenting with symptoms, i have now lost _ if of course, as we can see from the heading _ if of course, as we can see from the heading there. _ if of course, as we can see from the heading there. if— if of course, as we can see from the heading there, if they _ if of course, as we can see from the heading there, if they were - if of course, as we can see from the heading there, if they were alreadyl heading there, if they were already residents~ — heading there, if they were already residents~ so— heading there, if they were already residents. so that _ heading there, if they were already residents. so that is _ heading there, if they were already residents. so that is very _ heading there, if they were already residents. so that is very clear. - residents. so that is very clear. subsequently, _ residents. so that is very clear. subsequently, '— residents. so that is very clear. subsequently, i don't _ residents. so that is very clear. subsequently, i don't want - residents. so that is very clear. subsequently, i don't want to i residents. so that is very clear. i subsequently, i don't want to go subsequently, idon't want to go through— subsequently, i don't want to go through the _ subsequently, idon't want to go through the detail— subsequently, i don't want to go through the detail of _ subsequently, i don't want to go through the detail of them, - subsequently, i don't want to goi through the detail of them, there were _ through the detail of them, there were announcements _ through the detail of them, there were announcements about - through the detail of them, there i were announcements about testing through the detail of them, there - were announcements about testing of symptomatic— were announcements about testing of symptomatic care _ were announcements about testing of symptomatic care home _ were announcements about testing of symptomatic care home staff. - were announcements about testing of symptomatic care home staff. the - symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of— symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of aprii~ — symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of april. there _ symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of april. there was _ symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of april. there was an - symptomatic care home staff. the 15th of april. there was an actioni 15th of april. there was an action plan _ 15th of april. there was an action plan for— 15th of april. there was an action plan for adult _ 15th of april. there was an action plan for adult social— 15th of april. there was an action plan for adult social care. - 15th of april. there was an action plan for adult social care. there i plan for adult social care. there was an— plan for adult social care. there was an announcement - plan for adult social care. there was an announcement on - plan for adult social care. there was an announcement on the i plan for adult social care. there i was an announcement on the 28th plan for adult social care. there - was an announcement on the 28th of april for— was an announcement on the 28th of april for a _ was an announcement on the 28th of april for a cinematic— was an announcement on the 28th of april for a cinematic staff _ was an announcement on the 28th of april for a cinematic staff and - april for a cinematic staff and resident _ april for a cinematic staff and resident care _ april for a cinematic staff and resident care homes- april for a cinematic staff and resident care homes for- april for a cinematic staff and resident care homes for over| april for a cinematic staff and i resident care homes for over 65 april for a cinematic staff and - resident care homes for over 65 is. another— resident care homes for over 65 is. another announcement— resident care homes for over 65 is. another announcement on - resident care homes for over 65 is. another announcement on 7th - resident care homes for over 65 is. another announcement on 7th of. resident care homes for over 65 is. - another announcement on 7th ofjune. about _ another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing — another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing. was _ another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing. was the _ another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing. was the core _ another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing. was the core point - another announcement on 7th ofjune. about testing. was the core point of i about testing. was the core point of this, that _ about testing. was the core point of this, that white _ about testing. was the core point of this, that while the _ about testing. was the core point of this, that while the government - this, that while the government could _ this, that while the government could announce _ this, that while the government could announce a _ this, that while the government could announce a policy- this, that while the government could announce a policy of- this, that while the government. could announce a policy of testing, because _ could announce a policy of testing, because for— could announce a policy of testing, because for the _ could announce a policy of testing, because for the very _ could announce a policy of testing, because for the very reason - could announce a policy of testing, because for the very reason you i could announce a policy of testing, i because for the very reason you have identified _ because for the very reason you have identified four — because for the very reason you have identified four there _ because for the very reason you have identified four there was _ because for the very reason you have identified four there was a _ because for the very reason you have identified four there was a shortage i identified four there was a shortage of testing. — identified four there was a shortage of testing. it— identified four there was a shortage of testing, it could _ identified four there was a shortage of testing, it could give _ identified four there was a shortage of testing, it could give no- of testing, it could give no guarantees _ of testing, it could give no guarantees as— of testing, it could give no guarantees as to - of testing, it could give no guarantees as to whetherl of testing, it could give no- guarantees as to whether testing of testing, it could give no— guarantees as to whether testing and reality— guarantees as to whether testing and reality were meet _ guarantees as to whether testing and reality were meet that _ guarantees as to whether testing and reality were meet that aspiration - reality were meet that aspiration out with— reality were meet that aspiration out with your _ reality were meet that aspiration out with your control, _ reality were meet that aspiration out with your control, there - reality were meet that aspiration out with your control, there may| out with your control, there may have _ out with your control, there may have been— out with your control, there may have been occasions _ out with your control, there may have been occasions when - out with your control, there may. have been occasions when testing out with your control, there may- have been occasions when testing was not available _ have been occasions when testing was not available due _ have been occasions when testing was not available due to _ have been occasions when testing was not available due to the _ have been occasions when testing was not available due to the system. - not available due to the system. that is— not available due to the system. that is nothing _ not available due to the system. that is nothing to _ not available due to the system. that is nothing to do _ not available due to the system. that is nothing to do with - not available due to the system. that is nothing to do with a - not available due to the system. i that is nothing to do with a policy announced — that is nothing to do with a policy announced by— that is nothing to do with a policy announced by government. - that is nothing to do with a policy announced by government. is - that is nothing to do with a policy| announced by government. is that that is nothing to do with a policy. announced by government. is that a fair summary? — announced by government. is that a fair summary? it’s— announced by government. is that a fair summary?— fair summary? it's a little bit more comlex fair summary? it's a little bit more complex than _ fair summary? it's a little bit more complex than that. _ fair summary? it's a little bit more complex than that. it _ fair summary? it's a little bit more complex than that. it is _ fair summary? it's a little bit more complex than that. it is certainly i complex than that. it is certainly true that especially in a pandemic, if you make a policy decision at the centre, then it takes time and it is sometimes uneven and how that is promulgated. that is true across all policy, especially when done at pace. nevertheless, even having said that, the testing policies that we put in place adult social care were essentially based on clinical advice of what tests would be reliable and effective, combined with the operation advice of how many tests were available. so for instance, there was a discussion on the 14th of april, when clinical advice for the first time said, yes, you can test asymptomatic people and a negative test will be reliable, really important. but then we combine that with the operational advice as to how many tests were available by that stage, around 35,000. and you can see, for instance, that then the clinical advises in this case the cmo, came back and then signed off on, issued new advice as to what the policy should be for testing.