Hancock accused of insulting 'memory of every COVID victim' over inquiry comments

No apology or empathy from Hancock

Matt Hancock has given evidence to the COVID inquiry many times before. He has been accused of being combative, bullish and insensitive.

Wednesday's appearance will do nothing to diminish that criticism.

This module deals specifically with care homes.

The government's decision to allow mostly untested patients into care homes with their population of elderly, vulnerable residents is widely seen as its most controversial move during the health emergency.

It resulted in the deaths of thousands of care home residents.

At the time, addressing the country during a Downing Street press conference, Mr Hancock said a protective ring had been thrown around care homes.

When challenged on that statement today, the former health secretary said it was "rhetoric".

He had tried, he said. But it was impossible.

Mr Hancock told the inquiry it was not his decision but a collective one that he was charged with enforcing.

He stressed several times it was the "least worst option" because if he had not acted to create capacity in hospitals by transferring patients, the NHS would have been overwhelmed.

When challenged with evidence presented to the inquiry that Mr Hancock "lied about the situation" and he had left older people to be "culled" because they could no longer contribute to society, Mr Hancock simply countered by saying he had had people in touch at the time thanking him for his efforts.

And this was said to an inquiry room where people who had lost loved ones in care homes sat barely a few feet away.

No contrition. No apology. No empathy.