Nicola Sturgeon has repeated her calls for a UK-wide public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic as Downing Street refused three times to deny Boris Johnson said “let it rip” over the coronavirus pandemic.
The SNP leader said bereaved families deserve answers about the response to the pandemic in light of what she described as “shameful remarks allegedly made by the Prime Minister.
Johnson has denied saying said he would rather see “bodies pile high” than impose a third lockdown, although the claims have been corroborated to both the BBC and ITV.
Downing Street on Tuesday characterised the reports as "speculation".
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “The reports put forward, the speculation, they distort the actions that the PM has taken.”
Sturgeon said grieving families will be “shocked, but not surprised” by Johnson’s alleged remarks.
Renewing a call for a public inquiry, Sturgeon said: “Given the reported comments from the Prime Minister, it is more important than ever that families have answers, and it is shameful that the UK Government denied their request on the same day that they will have seen and heard these abhorrent remarks.
“These apparent comments relate to human life, to people’s family and friends, and that should never be forgotten.
“Most people will be shocked but not surprised by what the Prime Minister is reported to have said, but for the families who have lost loved ones, reading these comments will be deeply distressing.”
Sturgeon has previously said she will initiate a Scottish inquiry into the handling of the pandemic but would prefer a UK-wide review.
She said: “I expect the Scottish Government to be scrutinised on our actions and am committed to establishing a public inquiry this year – the UK Government must commit to the same.”
She added: “If there is no agreement across the four nations, an inquiry will be established in Scotland by the end of this year.
“If re-elected, we will begin the work to establish that inquiry immediately, including consulting with families and others on the nature of the inquiry and its remit.”
At a Downing Street briefing the Prime Minister’s spokesman was asked about reports Boris Johnson told aides he would rather let coronavirus “rip” than return to restrictions in September.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I have seen the various reports and speculation which distort the actions of the Prime Minister.
“At all times he has been focused on saving lives and livelihoods.”
The words do not amount to a denial, unlike No 10’s strong rejection of the suggestion Johnson said he would rather see “bodies pile high” than announce a third lockdown.
In relation to those alleged remarks, the spokesman said: “He didn’t say it and this is untrue.”
