Scotland needs its own public inquiry into its handling of the Covid crisis, says Alun Evans, former head of the Scotland Office.
He says it must start soon, conclude within a year and ensure lessons are learned.
Evans, who was secretary to the foot and mouth disease inquiry in 2001, said: “A full, fair and frank inquiry that gets to the truth, as fast as possible, is essential.
“We owe it to those who have died and to the friends and families of those who have been bereaved.”
Ministers, who last week met families who lost relatives in Scotland’s care homes, are expected to make an announcement within days but Evans said any public inquiry must begin soon.
FM Nicola Sturgeon said in May she wanted to wait until details about a UK inquiry were known before announcing a Scottish one but she has since confirmed a Scottish inquiry will begin by the end of the year.
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