What's happened
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford criticizes Boris Johnson and UK ministers for their handling of the COVID crisis during the UK COVID public inquiry. He likens Johnson to an absent football manager and criticizes Dominic Cummings for blocking the banning of mass gatherings. Former Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething faces accusations of incompetence and arrogance after revealing the loss of WhatsApp messages during the COVID crisis. Ex-Welsh Secretary Simon Hart highlights confusion among Welsh government ministers about COVID rules.
Why it matters
Mark Drakeford's criticism of the UK government's handling of the COVID crisis sheds light on the decision-making processes and leadership during the pandemic. The accusations of incompetence and arrogance against Vaughan Gething raise questions about accountability and transparency in government actions. Simon Hart's comments on confusion among Welsh government ministers highlight the challenges of implementing consistent COVID rules and the importance of clear communication.
What the papers say
Sky News reports Mark Drakeford's criticism of Boris Johnson and the UK government's handling of the COVID crisis during the UK COVID public inquiry. The Guardian provides details on Drakeford's likening of Johnson to an absent football manager and criticism of Dominic Cummings. The Guardian also covers accusations against Vaughan Gething for incompetence and arrogance after revealing the loss of WhatsApp messages. BBC News discusses Simon Hart's comments on confusion among Welsh government ministers about COVID rules and differing motivations for rules.
How we got here
The UK COVID public inquiry has been ongoing, with the Welsh module focusing on the actions and decisions made by the Welsh government during the pandemic. Mark Drakeford's criticism sheds light on the challenges faced by the UK government and the Welsh administration in handling the crisis. The revelations about lost WhatsApp messages and confusion among government ministers highlight the complexities of managing a public health emergency.
More on these topics
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The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
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Mark Drakeford is a Welsh politician who has been First Minister of Wales and Leader of the Welsh Labour Party since 2018. He served as Cabinet Secretary for Finance in the Jones Government from 2016 to 2018, Minister for Brexit from 2017 to 2018, and Min
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Simon Anthony Hart is a British politician serving as Secretary of State for Wales since 2019. A member of the Conservative Party, he was first elected in the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, d
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson Hon FRIBA is a British politician, writer, and former journalist serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019.