Downing Street has said China must allow a “transparent and scientifically rigorous” international investigation into the origins of Covid-19.
The intervention by Number 10 came after the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said he was “disappointed” that Beijing has not finalised permission for the arrival of a team of experts into China to examine the origins of the pandemic.
The Chinese authorities said they were still in negotiation with the WHO about the details of the mission.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said “there’s clearly questions that need to be answered” about the origin of the coronavirus outbreak.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that he was “very disappointed” by the hold-up to the team’s investigation.
In Westminster, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As the WHO said yesterday it is disappointing this vital research trip is being held up.
“It’s important that the investigation is able to progress without delay and is open, transparent and scientifically rigorous.
“We have said throughout the pandemic it is important that an investigation happens and that remains our position.”
Asked whether Mr Johnson believed there was a cover-up, the spokesman said: “There’s clearly questions that need to be answered about the origins and the spread of the virus which is why we are supportive of the WHO independent international team of experts who will lead the investigation.”
