Covid Inquiry live: Sturgeon says UK-wide contingency planning has been highly ad hoc

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Families of Scottish Covid victims gather in Paddington today to hear from the former Scottish First Minister.

It may have been a little strange that families would hear evidence in person in London – yet the Scottish Covid Inquiry did not get going, at least in public hearings.

So far it appears that the UK Commission of Inquiry is proceeding with its work programme.

The Scottish inquest has been held up by the resignation of the judge, Ms Ball, in October last year, for personal reasons.

There is no doubt that the new boss, Lord Brailsford, will act according to his team.

A public reception day is scheduled in Dundee next month.

I have been in contact with the Scottish Government – they have indicated that the investigation is completely independent but said they have made it clear that they want the work delivered “rapidly”.

The Scottish Covid Inquiry has asked when we might see Nicola Sturgeon and her former deputy, John Sweeney, appear before them.

They say witnesses will be called at the “appropriate stages of her investigation”.

It is noteworthy that all the main political actors in these investigations have left their posts.

Given the timings now, key evidence hearings in both the UK and Scotland investigations may emerge in the middle of the general election campaign.

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