The COVID-19 inquiry's final day of witness testimony has arrived, marking a bittersweet moment for bereaved families. While it signifies the culmination of a long and costly process, it also brings to light the government's 'incompetence, chaos, and callousness', as families demand justice and accountability. The inquiry, which has become the most expensive in history, has been a beacon of hope for those seeking answers and change. However, the path to justice is fraught with challenges, and the families are determined to ensure that their loved ones' deaths are not in vain. The inquiry has uncovered 'fatal strategic flaws' in the UK's pandemic planning, and the families are now calling for urgent action and a more robust system to prevent future crises. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK (CBFFJ) has been at the forefront of this fight, advocating for the implementation of the inquiry's recommendations and holding the government accountable. The inquiry's findings have been welcomed by the CBFFJ, who have described them as 'hard-hitting, clear-sighted, and damning'. However, they have also expressed disappointment that the recommendations could have gone further. The families gathered outside the inquiry, holding photos of their deceased loved ones and signs with slogans such as 'Partygate is your legacy, Boris'. They held a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic and vowed to keep fighting for justice. Naomi Fulop, whose mother died from COVID-19, emphasized the bittersweet nature of the day, expressing both satisfaction at the end of the inquiry and sadness for the loss of her loved one. She also acknowledged the financial cost of the inquiry, but argued that it was worth it for the potential real change it could bring. The CBFFJ has also called for the implementation of the Hillsborough Law, which would enforce a legal 'duty of candour' on public authorities, to help keep the costs of future inquiries down. The group has also vowed to 'fight to remove COVID crooks from public office' and 'pursue accountability for the deaths of our loved ones'. The inquiry's spokesperson has acknowledged the financial cost, but has also emphasized the importance of the inquiry in ensuring that 'only a fraction of the billions spent during the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be saved next time' for the inquiry to have been worth it.
