BEREAVED families say they remain concerned about being marginalised by the Covid-19 inquiry despite assurances from its chair that they will be at the heart of the probe. 

Opening the first phase of the public inquiry into Britain’s handling of the pandemic today, Baroness Heather Hallett addressed concerns raised by bereaved groups that their testimonies may not be heard as direct evidence. 

Lady Hallett gave reassurances that those most affected would be properly consulted but said if she were to consult them at every stage of the process, the inquiry would “go on forever.” 

She said it was her principal aim to produce reports and recommendations before “another disaster strikes,” saying she would not allow the probe to drag on for decades.

Lady Hallett said she intended to keep her promise, made earlier in the process, that those who have suffered will be at the heart of the inquiry.

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group has expressed anger at the decision to start a so-called “listening project” in which members of the public can share their experiences of the pandemic rather than giving direct evidence to the inquiry. 

Lady Hallett said the proposed listening exercise was designed to ensure people could contribute to the inquiry in a less formal setting; the families, however, argue that their voices should be heard directly inside the inquiry. 

“There is absolutely no question that the bereaved will be marginalised,” she said, adding that no-one would be barred from giving evidence.

But in a statement after the hearing, bereaved families said they remain concerned. A co-founder of the group, Matt Fowler, said: “I am sceptical about Baroness Hallett’s claims that we are not being marginalised.

“Her proposals for the listening exercise do exactly that.”