Sixty seconds on . . . a covid-19 inquiry

Surely it's not the right time?That's what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said when he committed last July to an independent inquiry. 1 Such a thing would be "an irresponsible diversion" while the pandemic continues, he recently reiterated. 2 But the public want answersSo polling suggests, 3 but formal inquiries take years.Calls for a quick review, from medical journals, 4 the BMA and royal colleges, 5 and bereaved families, have gone unheeded, however. So why are we waiting?I don't know.Norway and Sweden have started inquiries. 6Scotland may begin one by the end of the year. 7 What about learning lessons to save lives now?Quite.The informal People's Covid Inquiry (www.peoplescovidinquiry.com), convened by the Keep Our NHS Public campaign, is filling the gap, receiving testimony from experts, key workers, and the public at fortnightly hearings. 8The inquiry's panellist Neena Modi, professor of neonatal medicine, told The BMJ, "If ever there was a time to ask questions, it has got to be now."7