In a recent Covid inquiry hearing, former National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt revealed that police had only 16 minutes to enforce new coronavirus laws after receiving signed legislation from Matt Hancock. Hewitt criticised confusing regulations and ministers’ media appearances, highlighting instances where politicians created further confusion.
Hewitt explained, “We received the regulations signed off by the secretary of state for health (Mr. Hancock) at 11.45” for a regulation intended to start at 12.01 am. Despite the tight timeframe, he emphasised the need for clarity before enforcement.
The inquiry also scrutinised the powers given to police to direct Covid-19 testing and enforce medical directions. Baroness Heather Hallett criticised the legislation and called for a different system to prevent chaos in future pandemics.
Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel defended the delays, blaming the Department of Health and Social Care for “inflexibility.” She acknowledged the need for a revamped system in future pandemics.
Questions were raised about the complexity of laws, leading to confusion for both the public and police. Dame Priti agreed, stating, “I think there would need to be a different system, completely. A totally different system.”
The inquiry further delved into the £10,000 fines introduced for breaches, with handwritten notes from Boris Johnson emphasising “bigger fines.” The former home secretary criticised the “totally inappropriate” policing of the vigil for Sarah Everard.
Despite extraordinary powers remaining unused, Hewitt and Hallett stressed the importance of improving legislation for future pandemics. The inquiry highlighted challenges faced by citizens in adhering to rapidly changing laws, compounded by localised tiering rules.
Dame Priti also admitted that there were no sophisticated plans for the UK’s borders during the early stages of the pandemic, acknowledging the need for constant questioning and iterative processes.
