Boris Johnson said a swift public Covid-19 inquiry would be “irresponsible” and described it as a “diversion” under the current circumstances.
Labour has repeatedly called on the prime minister to launch an inquiry this summer so that lessons can be learned from the government’s mistakes.
Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick announced proposals for government commissioners to be sent in to Liverpool to run “certain and limited function” of the city’s council for the next three years amid allegations of corruption.
Also in the Commons today, Priti Patel announced her “overhaul” of the immigration system, which she has described as “firm but fair”.
Under the home secretary’s proposals, those who reach the UK illegally will be denied an automatic right to asylum and will be regularly assessed for removal from the country.
Mike Adamson, the British Red Cross’ chief executive, called the proposals “inhumane”, while Sonia Lenegan, of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association, said the measures are “cruel”.
Elsewhere, Alex Salmond has announced he will be taking legal action against Scotland’s top civil servant over her role in the government’s botched probe into sexual harassment complaints against him.
The former first minister accused permanent secretary Leslie Evans of still refusing to “accept real responsibility”.
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