Enfield Council Leader responds to allegations that former Health Secretary ignored scientific advice during COVID-19
Following leaked WhatsApp messages from former Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP, revealed by the Daily Telegraph, the Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “Matt Hancock is a disgrace. The impact of coronavirus on Enfield care homes was nothing short of catastrophic. In the first wave, half of all deaths in the borough from coronavirus happened in care homes.
“It is clear that Matt Hancock failed to follow scientific advice, failed to protect frontline health workers with adequate PPE, and failed to deliver proper testing in care homes. He was warned by scientific experts, by professionals working in the adult social care sector, and by local authorities – but he chose to ignore. People died unnecessarily because of government decisions, but Matt Hancock is more interested in protecting his reputation.
Enfield Council has produced a review into the impact of coronavirus on the borough which is currently in draft form. Commenting on the review, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “Coronavirus has had a stark impact on our communities.
“To mark the third anniversary of the first lockdown, we will publish our review into the impact of COVID-19 on our borough, and will be submitting it to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. It is time for the Inquiry to scrutinise government decisions and publish all evidence to provide transparency for those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.”